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9. Explain how ocean acidification is a "feedback loop."

9. Explain how ocean acidification is a "feedback loop."

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
Section: Chapter Questions
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**Question 9: Explain how ocean acidification is a "feedback loop."** --- *Note: There are no graphs or diagrams associated with this text.* --- **Answer:** Ocean acidification is commonly referred to as a "feedback loop" because it involves a cyclical process where the effects of initial changes exacerbate those same changes, leading to more severe consequences. In the context of ocean acidification, it typically begins with increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. When CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves in ocean water, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid then dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The increase in hydrogen ions causes the ocean's pH to decrease, making it more acidic. This increased acidity can negatively impact marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells and skeletons, such as corals and some shellfish. As these organisms struggle to maintain their calcium carbonate structures in more acidic conditions, their populations can decline. Healthy populations of these organisms often play a role in sequestering carbon. With fewer organisms contributing to this sequestration, more CO2 remains in the atmosphere, which can then dissolve back into the ocean, further lowering the pH and perpetuating the cycle. Thus, the process of ocean acidification can be seen as a feedback loop because the initial increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to changes in the ocean’s chemistry that, in turn, result in further increases in atmospheric CO2 or continued acidification. This cycle can amplify the initial effects, leading to increasingly severe impact on marine ecosystems.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question 9: Explain how ocean acidification is a "feedback loop."** --- *Note: There are no graphs or diagrams associated with this text.* --- **Answer:** Ocean acidification is commonly referred to as a "feedback loop" because it involves a cyclical process where the effects of initial changes exacerbate those same changes, leading to more severe consequences. In the context of ocean acidification, it typically begins with increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere due to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. When CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves in ocean water, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid then dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The increase in hydrogen ions causes the ocean's pH to decrease, making it more acidic. This increased acidity can negatively impact marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells and skeletons, such as corals and some shellfish. As these organisms struggle to maintain their calcium carbonate structures in more acidic conditions, their populations can decline. Healthy populations of these organisms often play a role in sequestering carbon. With fewer organisms contributing to this sequestration, more CO2 remains in the atmosphere, which can then dissolve back into the ocean, further lowering the pH and perpetuating the cycle. Thus, the process of ocean acidification can be seen as a feedback loop because the initial increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to changes in the ocean’s chemistry that, in turn, result in further increases in atmospheric CO2 or continued acidification. This cycle can amplify the initial effects, leading to increasingly severe impact on marine ecosystems.
**8. Explain how permafrost melting is a “feedback loop.”** (Here you could provide an in-depth explanation of how the melting of permafrost acts as a feedback loop. For instance, you might discuss how permafrost contains large amounts of organic carbon which, when thawed, decomposes and releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These gases then contribute to further atmospheric warming, leading to more permafrost melting, and the cycle continues.) --- For further detail and a visual aid, consider including a diagram illustrating this feedback loop. The diagram could show: 1. **Permafrost Thawing:** Indicate permafrost layers thawing as global temperatures rise. 2. **Release of Greenhouse Gases:** Illustrate the release of CO2 and methane from the decomposing organic material within the permafrost. 3. **Increased Greenhouse Effect:** Show how the increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap more heat, raising global temperatures. 4. **Ongoing Cycle:** Use arrows to loop back to permafrost thawing, demonstrating the continuous cycle. Such visual representations can enhance comprehension and provide students with a clearer understanding of the feedback loop concept.
Transcribed Image Text:**8. Explain how permafrost melting is a “feedback loop.”** (Here you could provide an in-depth explanation of how the melting of permafrost acts as a feedback loop. For instance, you might discuss how permafrost contains large amounts of organic carbon which, when thawed, decomposes and releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These gases then contribute to further atmospheric warming, leading to more permafrost melting, and the cycle continues.) --- For further detail and a visual aid, consider including a diagram illustrating this feedback loop. The diagram could show: 1. **Permafrost Thawing:** Indicate permafrost layers thawing as global temperatures rise. 2. **Release of Greenhouse Gases:** Illustrate the release of CO2 and methane from the decomposing organic material within the permafrost. 3. **Increased Greenhouse Effect:** Show how the increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap more heat, raising global temperatures. 4. **Ongoing Cycle:** Use arrows to loop back to permafrost thawing, demonstrating the continuous cycle. Such visual representations can enhance comprehension and provide students with a clearer understanding of the feedback loop concept.
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