Biosphere-Albedo Feedback and Climate Modeling

Abstract

It is suggested that vegetational modification of the earth’s surface albedo, a process which occurs during a change in global climate, could produce a significant albedo-climate coupling or feedback mechanism. Employing the ice age of 18 000 years ago as a comparative climate, it is estimated that such a long-term biosphere-albedo feedback might roughly double the sensitivity of the global climate to factors which produce climatic change. Abstract It is suggested that vegetational modification of the earth’s surface albedo, a process which occurs during a change in global climate, could produce a significant albedo-climate coupling or feedback mechanism. Employing the ice age of 18 000 years ago as a comparative climate, it is estimated that such a long-term biosphere-albedo feedback might roughly double the sensitivity of the global climate to factors which produce climatic change.