Multiple choice

An important example of a "positive feedback loop” in the polar climate system is:

  1. Scientists in remote places check on each others instruments

  2. Warming ocean water opens new areas for marine species

  3. Warmer winters cause more plant growth, providing more food

  4. Sea ice melt opens more ocean to sunlight, causing more melt
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A positive feedback loop occurs when a change leads to an effect that amplifies the original change. Melting ice reduces albedo, which absorbs more heat, causing more melting.

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