From a natural sciences perspective, a positive feedback mechanism is often referred as a feedback loop. Therefore, a certain action can be referred as a causative factor of a specific reaction. The reaction within the systems also leads to further action by a system as it reacts. In natural sciences, positive feedback mechanism is responsible for explosive reactions in certain elements of the ecosystem.
Sometimes, a positive feedback mechanism can cause a positive or a negative reaction. An example of a negative result from a positive feedback mechanism is global warming. This research paper introduces positive feedback in clouds as an accelerating factor in global warming.
Scientifically, high-level clouds have been found to have a net cooling effect (Pickering and Owen 36). From various researches, it has been found that a decrease in low-cloud cover is caused by warm atmospheric pressure. This warm atmospheric pressure is evidenced once the sea surface becomes warmer. However, a consequent rise in temperatures causes a negative feedback mechanism.
This means that more clouds will be formed as a result of warm sea temperatures. Eventually, the feedback mechanisms from the rising sea temperatures directly harness global warming. From a scientific point of view, atmospheric water is responsible for the upper-level clouds. In this respect, a positive feedback mechanism from clouds is harnessed by the net greenhouse effect from the upper-level clouds.
Another reaction as a result of the upper-level clouds is an increase of the global temperatures and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Woodward 39). Another fact that validates the assumption that clouds harness global warming is the ability to reflect incoming sunlight. High-level clouds have the ability to prevent a direct radiation of heat from the earth and water surfaces.
In this respect, an impact on the global energy equation is created. It is also important to note that high-level clouds releases heat, once they start to precipitate. From a scientific perspective, such heat is transferred into the atmosphere and affects the equation of the global heat. However, a feedback loop is evidenced once the clouds start to react to the prevailing climatic conditions.
Global warming can be described as the prevailing earth temperature. However, low-level clouds can alter this temperature. The interaction between low-level clouds and wind systems is considered to be a contributory factor towards global warming. Low-level clouds are thick and have the ability to trap heat than upper-level clouds. However, this depends on the control mechanism fostered by atmospheric winds.
There are two common types of high-level clouds. The first high-level cloud is known as cirrus. Cirrus is characterized by weak reflection and strong greenhouse. The second high-level cloud is altostratus. Altostratus is characterized by intermediate reflection and intermediate greenhouse.
From the above discussions, it is important to note the following cloud feedbacks. First, any cloud feedback can also cause certain changes in cloud properties. Secondly, cloud sensitivity and emissivity is affected by a change in water properties.
For example, there is a change in cloud properties once the ice changes to liquid and eventually to vapor. Thirdly, the reflectivity of clouds increases with an increase in condensation of water. All these factors are crucial elements in feedback mechanism that leads to an increase in global temperatures.
Works Cited
Pickering, T., Kevin and Owen, A., Lewis. An introduction to global environmental issues. Routledge, 1997. Print.
Woodward, I. F. Advances in ecological research V22: The ecological consequences of global climate change. Academic Press, 1992. Print.