Earth Science Today
Russ Colson
Minnesota State University Moorhead
 
Suppose that warming atmosphere melts ice at the poles.  What consequences will that have on further climatic change?  (think about reflection and absorption)
 
One answer:
Ice is very reflective.  The ice at the poles reflects sunlight back into space, keeping our planet cooler.  If some of that ice melts, there will be more absorption of sunlight at the Earth's surface, potentially increasing temperatures further and leading to more ice melting.
 

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