Typically, our poles serve to cool the Earth. If the poles begin to warm, our “cooling system”...
-
Upload
osborn-oliver -
Category
Documents
-
view
215 -
download
1
Transcript of Typically, our poles serve to cool the Earth. If the poles begin to warm, our “cooling system”...
Warming and the Poles• Typically, our poles serve to cool
the Earth.
• If the poles begin to warm, our “cooling system” breaks down.
• Example: Polar ice reflects sunlight. If this ice melts, the sunlight isn’t reflected and Earth will warm even more. This is called a positive feedback.
Warming and the Arctic• Arctic sea ice is melting• The year tends to be warmer• More insects• More trees with insect infestations• Disruption to animal cycles and patterns
(polar bear)• Thawing permafrost= building collapse• More trees grow, which absorb CO2,
this could cause less warming. This is an example of a negative feedback.
Warming and the Antarctic• Ice around Antarctica has actually
been increasing slightly• Possibly due to the isolation of
Antarctica due its wind/ocean currents
• Cold air flowing off of the land keeps this region colder as well
• What will happen in the future??
Warming and Flooding Concerns• If ice begins to melt, sea level will
rise anywhere from 6 inches to nearly 2 feet.
• Coastal cities may flood
• Increased storm surge damage
• Freshwater drinking sources affected