EARTHSS 21 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Ice Shelf, Sea Ice, Ocean Current
1 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
The amount of ice and snow in the northern hemisphere has decreased man-made global warming. These changes have large impacts on the climate, ecosystems, and human well-being. Snow and ice in relation solar reflectivity and ocean circulation. Cryosphere component that is sensitive to atmospheric warming. If it warms up it made release gasses that could potentially increase the rate of global warming. Glaciers, ice caps, rivers, and lakes influence local ecosystems and other human factors. The main cause for global warming are human-made greenhouse gasses (last 50 yrs) 21st century effect on ice and snow will be greenhouse gasses. Melting snow will mean changes for local wildlife. Snow cover is highly reflective to sunlight and has insulating properties. Decrease in snow cover means more global warming. Mountain snow supplies 1/6 of water for the world"s population. Snow cover changes will affect water resources, agriculture, infrastructure, livelihoods of native people, hazards, and winter recreation.
