easy · Enhanced ACT reading
Micro-Passage: The 'Albedo Effect' describes the fraction of solar energy reflected from the Earth back into space. Pure ice has an albedo of approximately 0.9, meaning it reflects 90% of incident sunlight. In contrast, open ocean water has an albedo of about 0.06. As global temperatures rise and sea ice melts, the exposed dark water absorbs more heat, leading to further melting in a self-reinforcing cycle.
the primary mechanism of the 'self-reinforcing cycle' is:
- The conversion of ice into water vapor, which acts as a secondary greenhouse gas.
- The increase in solar intensity as the Earth's atmosphere becomes thinner over time.
- The transition of surfaces from high-reflection to high-absorption states.
- The reflection of 90% of solar energy by the oceans as they expand into ice zones.
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