7.) CLIMATE CHANGE a.) Complex systems such as the climate are characterized by
ID: 299542 • Letter: 7
Question
7.) CLIMATE CHANGE a.) Complex systems such as the climate are characterized by thresholds and feedback loops. Describe 2 positive feedback loops for global climate change. Describe 2 negative feedback loops for global climate change (4 points) b.) Describe how positive feedback with climate change can lead to drought. What are 3 impacts drought can have on various ecosystems. (4 points) c.) Describe two (2) strategies for maintaining agricultural productivity (e.g. corn production) during a long-term drought. (2 points)Explanation / Answer
a.) Climate feedbacks are process that can either amplify or diminish the effect of climate forcing. A feedback that increase an initial warming is called positive feedback while that reduces initial warming called negative feedback.
The two positive feedback loops are-
1) Ice albedo- Ice is white and very reflective; in contrast to the ocean surface; which ia dark and absorbs heat faster. As the atmosphere and sea ice melts; the darker ocean absorbs more heat causes more ice to melt and makes the earth warmer overall.
2) Greening the forest- Many research claims that the ability of forest and oceans to absorb carbon dioxide is going to decrease in future; leading to faster accumulation of heat in atmosphere.
The two negative feedback loops are-
1)Ocean Circulation- Any disruption in ocean circulation may lead to disruptions in heat budget and so affect the weater pattern and temperature of earth.
2) Rapid release of methane- As the environment warms and permafrost thaws; the deposits of methane gas can be released into the atmosphere and present a risk of runaway warming.
b) the positive feedback with climate change increases the temperature of the region and so the ability to hold water in air. This results in less rain and so drought. We have to understand that this is a complex system and what we discussed is just a part of it.
The three impacts of drought on ecosystem are forest fire; decrease in water level and less plant growth.
c) there are some ways for maintaining agricultural productivity during a long term drought- diversification of crops; drought resistance crops and irrigation management.
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