Describe two complexities about Earth's climate system that results in changes happening faster than expected.

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

These are indeed earth science emergencies.

Answer 5

ah, here you go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_methane_release

Answer 6

and furthermore:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/nov/11/poles-scientists-antarctic-sea-ice

Answer 7

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/ArcticIce/

Answer 8

wow! That helps me a lot..
Thank You guys for your helps:)