Which process can increase the rate of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere in response to a decrease in albedo?

Question

Question 20 options:

A)

Volcanic activity

B)

Continental drift

C)

Ice-albedo feedback

D)

Precession of the ecliptic

Answer 1

The process that can increase the rate of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere in response to a decrease in albedo is:

C) Ice-albedo feedback

The ice-albedo feedback occurs when melting ice (which has a high albedo, reflecting most of the sunlight) exposes darker surfaces (such as ocean water or land) that have a lower albedo, absorbing more sunlight. This leads to further warming and more ice melt, creating a positive feedback loop. As ice melts, it can also release trapped greenhouse gases, such as methane, from permafrost, further increasing greenhouse gas emissions.