Question 49
HardOriginal questionAs Arctic sea ice melts, the warming there speeds up. Why?
Show the answer and explanation
CorrectNot quiteAnswer C
Correct answer: C
Explanation
White ice reflects most sunlight back to space; it has a high albedo.
Open ocean is dark and absorbs it, warming further and melting more ice: a positive feedback.
Worth noting
Melting actually absorbs heat; it does not release it.
- Concept
- The ice–albedo feedback
- Typical timeTypical
- 90 s
- Your timeYours
- —
Practise this chapter →
Ten questions from Pollution, Climate and Conventions, at your own pace.