Analyze how a single change to Earth's surface (ice loss) creates a positive feedback loop that destabilizes the global climate system (HS-ESS2-2).
Simulates an initial trigger: increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases trapping more heat.
Earth's climate is primarily driven by solar radiation. In equilibrium, energy in equals energy out. However, if an external factor (like increased greenhouse gases) traps more heat, the global temperature begins to rise.
Albedo is a measure of how much light hits a surface and is reflected without being absorbed. Ice and snow have high albedo (~0.8), while ocean water has low albedo (~0.1). As temperatures rise, sea ice melts.
Melting ice reveals dark ocean water. This lowers Earth's overall albedo. Earth now absorbs *more* solar energy than before. This extra absorbed energy further increases temperatures, melting even more ice. A positive feedback loop destabilizes the system, amplifying the original change.