IB ESS HL 1.2.10 Positive Feedback Loops Questions
Practise HL questions on positive feedback by evaluating amplification, tipping points and climate or ecosystem loops in human-impacted systems.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Differentiate positive from negative feedback by linking output to amplification away from equilibrium.
- Evaluate whether a full causal loop reinforces disturbance and drives an ecosystem toward a tipping point.
- Analyse ice-albedo, wildfire or atmospheric loops as climate-amplifying feedback.
- Construct and interpret human-impact loops in carbon, water and forest systems.
- Assess eutrophication feedback and conditions for moving an aquatic system to a new equilibrium.
Learn this topic
IB ESS HL 1.2.10 Positive Feedback Loops Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Outline how a reduction in snow cover in the Alps can act as a positive feedback loop for climate change.
a. Less snow means a reduction in albedo/reflectivity/more insolation/radiation is absorbed by (darker) bare ground;
b. warmer ground melts surrounding snow, reducing snow cover further / warmer ground heats lower atmosphere, increasing air temperatures reducing snow cover further / warmer conditions allow vegetation to grow lowering albedo/absorbing more sunlight further reducing snow accumulation;
OR
c. Less snow cover results in greater absorption of sunlight, warming the ground and melting permafrost therefore releasing methane;
d. Methane contributes to global warming/increase in temperature which results in further melting/loss of snow cover;
Note to examiners: Accept the above points in a diagram. Answer must indicate closed loop for full marks.
All question bank results loaded