EARTHSS 21 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Permafrost, Thermal Expansion, Sea Level Rise
6 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Ice and snow affects everyone, regardless of region. Dry-season and floods followed by other drastic weather changes. Less snow, ice, and permafrost mean more global warming. Melting of ice sheets and glaciers mean sea-level change. Changes in the poles affect rest of world. Ice and snow reflect most sunlight back into space. Less ice means more solar radiation will be absorbed and thus speeds up melting. Climate forcings- forcing is measure in watts per square meter of the earth"s surface. If ice and snow disappear then earth would receive 3-4 more watts. Altitude differences are coolant for the whole planet. Once this organic matter breaks down the amount of greenhouse gasses will increase (methane and carbon dioxide) When it is released then we get more greenhouse gasses. Heat change in the ocean caused by melting of ice. Changes due to ice and snow affect homes and lives. Melting ice sheets and glaciers= more freshwater in ocean.
