Asked by Kayce

Describe two complexities about Earth's climate system that results in changes happening faster than expected.
Answered by Ms. Sue
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=EEFC609C-1

http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/faq-1-1.html

Answered by Damon
When the oceans warm up a little they melt arctic ice. That of course is part of warming.
However what makes it far worse is that when the ice melts, the bare ocean is exposed and does not reflect the radiation of the sun as effectively as the ice did. That makes the melting go much faster. Same thing when a snow and ice melt and expose earth. That is called "a positive feedback loop" and makes things go faster and faster spiraling out of control.
Answered by Damon
If you melt year around ice in the earth (permafrost) in northern climates, it may have natural gas, Methane, trapped underneath. The melting could release the methane into the atmosphere. Methane is a greenhouse gas. This is another positive feedback loop.
Answered by Damon
These are indeed earth science emergencies.
Answered by Damon
ah, here you go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_methane_release
Answered by Damon
and furthermore:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/nov/11/poles-scientists-antarctic-sea-ice
Answered by Damon
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/ArcticIce/
Answered by Kayce
wow! That helps me a lot..
Thank You guys for your helps:)
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