Passage: The Albedo effect describes the degree to which a surface reflects solar radiation. Surfaces with high albedo, such as snow-covered ice, reflect most incoming sunlight back into space, helping to keep polar regions cool. Conversely, dark surfaces like open ocean water have low albedo and absorb the majority of the sun's energy, which increases local temperatures. As global temperatures rise, polar ice melts, exposing more dark ocean water. This creates a positive feedback loop: the increased absorption of heat leads to further ice melt, which in turn further reduces the region's albedo. This self-reinforcing cycle is a primary reason why the Arctic is warming at a significantly faster rate than the global average. Understanding these feedback mechanisms is critical for predicting future sea-level rise and climate shifts.