Geography Test 3 Feedback loops

basic feedback loop

fossil fuel emissions → warming climate → feedback loops triggered → heat-trapping gases emitted → more warming → more feedback loops

water vapor feedback loop

fossil fuel emissions → warming climate → warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor → water vapor traps more heat → more warming

forest feedback loop

fossil fuel emissions → drier, warmer climate → spreading fires → trees die, carbon deep in soil burns → release of carbon (and sometimes methane) → climate becomes warmer and drier

albedo feedback loop

fossil fuel emissions → warming climate → arctic snow and ice melt, ocean exposed → less reflectivity and more heat absorption → more warming

permafrost feedback loop

fossil fuel emissions → temp rises → permafrost thaws → more microbial activity → releases methane and Co2 → temp rises