Feedback Loops

Question 1

What is a positive feedback loop?

Answer 1

Initial change causes further change (snowball)

Question 2

What is a negative feedback loop?

Answer 2

A change to counter a different change in order to restore equilibrium

Question 3

Positive feedback loop carbon cycle example:

Answer 3

Temp rise -> more decomposition -> More CO2 -> More greenhouse gases

Question 4

Negative feedback loop carbon cycle example

Answer 4

More CO2 in atmosphere -> More photosynthesis -> More CO2 stored in biomass

Question 5

Techniques to monitor water cycle

Answer 5

Use satellites to monitor:
Arctic Sea Ice
Ice Caps
Sea surface temp
Water vapour
Deforestation
Atmospheric CO2

Question 6

Define diurnal changes:

Answer 6

Changes occurring within a day

Question 7

Carbon cycle diurnal changes

Answer 7

In day -> CO2 flows from atmosphere to vegetation

In night -> No sunlight so no photosynthesis, more respiration

Question 8

Water cycle diurnal changes

Answer 8

In night -> Lower temp = less evaporation and transpiration

Vice versa during day

Question 9

Long term changes to carbon cycle:

Answer 9

Reduction to CO2 in glacial periods
More carbon stored in permafrost
CO2 levels inc with temp
Less decay when lower temp

Question 10

Long term changes to water cycle:

Answer 10

Glacial periods -> water stored in ice sheets/glaciers etc.. (cover 1/3 of continental land mass, destroy vegetation)
Sea levels fall during glacial periods