Activity: Feedback Loops

The previous post ended with a question: What happens to Earth's albedo when, as we know from the previous post, surface ice cover starts decreasing?

The effect this loss of ice has on Earth's albedo creates something called a positive feedback loop. A feedback loop is when the effect of one process changes another process so that it impacts the effects of the initial process.  A positive feedback loop encourages the cycle, a negative feedback loop inhibits or stops the cycle.

Source: EPA

The loss of Arctic sea ice is of utmost concern for climate scientists as it creates a positive feedback loop.  The speed and extent to which this feedback loop with have an effect on Arctic sea ice and overall climate change has yet to be seen.

The Ocean-Atmosphere Carbon Cycle is another climate feedback loop.  Explore this topic and using writing, diagrams, charts, graphs, and/or maps explain how the feedback loop works.  Note whether this is a positive or negative feedback loop.  Are there any other climate feedback loops you have discovered in your research?