EES 3310/5310

Feedbacks

Class #8 (Fri., Feb 4)

PDF version

Notice:

If you have a laptop or tablet that you can bring to class and connect to the internet, I recommend you do so today so you can work along with me in using the online models to examine climate feedbacks.

Reading:

Required Reading (everyone):

  • Understanding the Forecast, Ch. 7, pp. 73–81.

Reading Notes:

  • Understand the concept of positive and negative feedbacks.

  • Understand how the following feedbacks work and whether each is positive or negative:

    • Stefan-Boltzmann feedback
    • Ice-albedo feedback
    • Water vapor feedback
  • What is a runaway greenhouse effect? What prevents Earth from having a runaway greenhouse?