Cloud Radiation Feedback and Effects

The video explains the concept of feedback loops in climate change, focusing on positive feedback loops like water vapor and ice albedo, which intensify global warming, and a negative feedback loop involving cloud radiation, which can potentially reduce warming. The positive feedback loops describe how increased temperatures lead to more water vapor and ice melt, further enhancing warming. The negative feedback loop discusses how increased cloud cover can reflect solar radiation, potentially cooling the planet, though the outcome remains uncertain.

What is the primary effect of increased water vapor in the atmosphere?

• It reduces the amount of solar radiation.

• It intensifies the greenhouse effect.

• It increases the Earth's albedo.

• It decreases global temperatures.

How does the melting of ice and snow contribute to global warming?

• By decreasing the Earth's albedo.

• By increasing the Earth's albedo.

• By reducing atmospheric water vapor.

• By increasing solar radiation reflection.

What is the role of albedo in the context of ice and snow?

• It traps more heat in the atmosphere.

• It reflects more sunlight, reducing warming.

• It decreases the reflection of solar radiation.

• It increases the absorption of solar radiation.

What analogy is used to explain negative feedback loops?

• A water cycle.

• A buffet meal.

• A melting glacier.

• A solar panel.

In a negative feedback loop, what happens as you continue to do more of something?

• You end up doing even more.

• You end up doing less.

• You maintain the same level of activity.

• You stop doing it altogether.

What is the main uncertainty in the cloud radiation feedback?

• The balance between cloud reflection and absorption of solar radiation.

• The rate of ice melting in polar regions.

• The precise measurement of global temperatures.

• The exact amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.

How do clouds affect solar radiation?

• They increase the Earth's albedo.

• They reflect incoming solar radiation back to space.

• They absorb all incoming solar radiation.

• They trap heat in the atmosphere.

What happens to temperature on cloudy days compared to sunny days?

• It is usually higher on cloudy days.

• It is usually lower on cloudy days.

• It remains the same regardless of cloud cover.

• It fluctuates unpredictably.

What process leads to cloud formation in the atmosphere?

• Condensation of water vapor at high altitudes.

• Melting of polar ice caps.

• Evaporation of water from oceans.

• Absorption of solar radiation by the land.

Why is the outcome of cloud radiation feedback considered uncertain?

• Because clouds always increase global temperatures.

• Because the balance between cloud reflection and warming is complex.

• Because clouds have no effect on solar radiation.

• Because clouds only form over oceans.