The Impact of Greenhouse Effect on Arctic Region

Under the "greenhouse effect" (increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases), the greatest increase in temperatures (temperature anomalies) should be observed in which geographic region?

Under the greenhouse effect, the greatest increase in temperatures (temperature anomalies) is expected to be observed in the polar regions, particularly the Arctic region. This is due to a phenomenon known as polar amplification, whereby the warming effect is more pronounced in polar areas compared to other geographic regions.

Polar amplification is a result of various feedback mechanisms associated with the melting of ice and snow in the polar regions. As greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, the increased temperatures lead to the melting of Arctic sea ice and land ice. The loss of ice reduces the albedo (reflectivity) of the Earth's surface, causing more sunlight to be absorbed rather than reflected back into space. This amplifies the warming effect, leading to further ice melt and positive feedback.

The reduction of ice cover also disrupts the balance of heat exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere. With less ice acting as a barrier, the warmer ocean waters release heat into the atmosphere, contributing to the regional temperature rise. These processes result in a stronger warming effect in the polar regions compared to other parts of the globe.

Therefore, the greatest increase in temperatures under the greenhouse effect is expected to be observed in the polar regions, particularly the Arctic, due to the phenomenon of polar amplification and the feedback mechanisms associated with melting ice and snow.