Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 5: Problem 12

What effect does sea-surface temperature have on air temperature? Describe the negative feedback mechanism created by higher sea-surface temperatures and evaporation rates.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Higher sea-surface temperatures lead to increased air temperature and evaporation rates. The latter culminates into a negative feedback mechanism: increased evaporation causes more cloud formation which in turn reflects back sunlight and cools both the sea and air temperatures. This mechanism maintains a balance in the temperature extremes and controls the global climate scenario.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the basic relationship

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Air Temperature are correlated. Warmer SST leads to an increased air temperature, as the heat from the sea surface is transferred to the overlying air.
02

The role of Evaporation

When SST rises, the rate of evaporation from the sea surface also increases. This evaporation, wherein water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, requires heat, causing a cooling effect on the surface of the sea.
03

Negative Feedback Mechanism

Increased evaporation due to higher SST induces a negative feedback effect. The increased water vapor in the air from evaporation absorbs heat from the environment (including from the warm air) and when it condenses to form clouds, heat is dissipated, leading to a reduction of SST and air temperature.
04

Analyzing the Feedback Loop

This negative feedback loop helps regulate extreme changes in temperatures. It works in the following way: Rise in SST -> Increase in Air Temperature -> Increase in Evaporation -> Increase in Cloud Formation -> Cooling Effect -> Reduction in SST/Air Temperature -> Loop restarts.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe and explain the extreme temperature range experienced in north- central Siberia between January and July.

List the physical aspects of land and water that produce their different responses to heating from absorption of insolation. What is the specific effect of transparency in a medium?

What is specific heat? Compare the specific heat of water and soil.

Compare the three scales that express temperature. Find "normal" human body temperature on each scale and record the three values in your notes.

$$ \text { Distinguish between sensible heat and sensible temperature. } $$
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

Energy Security

Read Explanation

Living With The Physical Environment

Read Explanation

Geographical Skills

Read Explanation

Health And Human Rights

Read Explanation

Diverse Places

Read Explanation

River Landscapes

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free