Albedo and Climate Feedback Loops

Miss Swanson introduces the concept of albedo, explaining how it relates to climate change. She describes albedo as the measure of sunlight reflected by surfaces, with examples like clouds and water. The video covers albedo feedback loops, illustrating how they contribute to warming and cooling cycles. Students are encouraged to understand and interpret albedo in various contexts.

What is the primary focus of albedo in the context of climate change?

• The temperature changes in the Earth's core

• The reflection and absorption of sunlight by surfaces

• The movement of tectonic plates

• The amount of sunlight absorbed by the atmosphere

Which surface is likely to have a higher albedo?

• Dark asphalt

• Ocean water at noon

• Fresh snow

• Dense forest

How does the angle of the sun affect the albedo of water?

• It only affects land surfaces

• It does not affect the albedo

• Higher angles increase albedo

• Lower angles increase albedo

What should you be able to do with albedo values?

• Memorize all specific percentages

• Interpret and compare different surfaces

• Ignore them as they are not important

• Use them to predict weather patterns

What is a feedback loop in the context of albedo?

• A process that only occurs in the ocean

• A loop that decreases Earth's temperature

• A one-time event with no further impact

• A cycle where the effect influences the cause

What happens in a warming albedo feedback loop?

• Clouds thicken, blocking sunlight

• Ice melts, reducing reflection and increasing absorption

• Temperature decreases, leading to more ice

• Ice and snow increase, reflecting more sunlight

In a cooling feedback loop, what is the result of increased ice and snow?

• More sunlight is reflected

• The Earth's core temperature rises

• More sunlight is absorbed

• The atmosphere becomes denser

Which scenario is an example of a cooling feedback loop?

• A desert receiving more sunlight

• An Ice Age with expanding ice sheets

• A volcanic eruption releasing ash

• A forest fire increasing carbon levels

What is the effect of a positive feedback loop on the original cause?

• It has no effect on the original cause

• It neutralizes the original cause

• It reverses the original cause

• It amplifies the original cause

What should students do if they struggle with understanding albedo concepts?

• Re-watch the video and ask questions in class

• Skip to the next topic

• Ignore the topic

• Memorize all the data