15
practice examMultiple Choice

Practice Exam

Question 15 • Earth and Space Science

Based on the global temperature trend between 365 and 265 million years ago, which feedback mechanism most likely amplified the cooling during the period between 365 million years ago and 265 million years ago?

Answer
A
permafrost thawing cycle
B
water-vapor feedback loop
C
volcanic outgassing of carbon dioxide
D
ice-albedo effect

Explanation

As temperatures fell, expanding ice would have reflected more sunlight back into space. That reduced solar energy absorbed by Earth, causing further cooling and allowing still more ice to form—a positive feedback called the ice-albedo effect. Permafrost thaw and water-vapor changes would not amplify this cooling in the same way, while volcanic carbon dioxide outgassing tends to warm the climate.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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