Consider the following:1. Albedo feedback loop mechanism2. Darker ocea...
- About Factors Causing Rapid Melting of Arctic Sea Ice:
- Albedo Feedback Loop:
- Ice is more reflective (has a higher albedo) than land or water surfaces, this is one of several reasons for the Arctic’s warming about three times faster than the planet as a whole.
- Therefore, as global ice cover decreases, the reflectivity of Earth’s surface decreases, more incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the surface, and the surface warms.
- Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Darker Ocean Surface:
- The Arctic's bright ice is replaced by a darker open ocean surface, less of the sun’s radiation is reflected back to space, driving additional heating and ice loss. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Counterclockwise Ice Circulation:
- Cyclones entering the Arctic from Siberia generated counterclockwise winds and ice drifts.
- This pattern generally reduces the amount of sea ice moving out of the Arctic through the Fram Strait, east of Greenland. This likely contributed to the record low summer sea ice conditions observed in the Greenland Sea. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Consider the following:1. Albedo feedback loop mechanism2. Darker ocea...
The correct answer is option D: 1, 2, and 3. Let's discuss each factor in detail and understand why they contribute to the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice.
1. Albedo Feedback Loop Mechanism:
The albedo feedback loop mechanism refers to the interaction between the Earth's surface and sunlight. Albedo is the measure of reflectivity, and in the case of the Arctic sea ice, it plays a crucial role. When the ice melts, it exposes the darker ocean surface below. This darker surface absorbs more solar radiation, leading to an increase in temperature. As the temperature rises, more ice melts, exposing even more dark ocean surface. This positive feedback loop accelerates the melting process, contributing to the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice.
2. Darker Ocean Surface:
The ocean surface in the Arctic region is generally covered by sea ice. This white icy surface has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a significant amount of sunlight back into space. However, when the sea ice melts, it exposes the darker ocean surface beneath, which has a lower albedo. The darker surface absorbs more sunlight and heat, causing further melting of the sea ice. This positive feedback loop amplifies the melting process, leading to a faster decline in Arctic sea ice.
3. Counterclockwise Circulation of Cyclones:
Cyclones are low-pressure systems characterized by rotating winds. In the Arctic, the cyclones typically circulate counterclockwise. These cyclones play a role in the melting of sea ice by bringing warmer air from lower latitudes and pushing it towards the Arctic region. As these warmer air masses interact with the sea ice, they contribute to its melting. The counterclockwise circulation of cyclones can transport heat to the Arctic, further accelerating the melting process.
Overall, all three factors mentioned in the question contribute to the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice. The albedo feedback loop mechanism, where the exposure of darker ocean surface leads to more absorption of sunlight and heat, plays a significant role. The darker ocean surface itself has a lower albedo, which enhances the absorption of solar radiation. Additionally, the counterclockwise circulation of cyclones brings warmer air to the Arctic region, intensifying the melting process. Therefore, options 1, 2, and 3 are all responsible for the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice.