A biogeophysical feedback mechanism in the Sahel relates
A) reduced cloud cover to increasing surface temperatures and an increase in rainfall.
B) reduced vegetation to a decrease in surface temperatures and a reduction in rainfall.
C) an increase in vegetation to an increase in surface temperatures and a reduction in rainfall.
D) a decrease in vegetation to a lowering of surface albedo and an increase in rainfall.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The biogeophysical feedback mechanism in the Sahel is related to the reduction in vegetation cover. As vegetation cover decreases due to human activities such as overgrazing and deforestation, there is a decrease in surface albedo (meaning that the bare ground reflects less sunlight) which leads to an absorption of heat instead of reflection. This causes an increase in surface temperatures which in turn results in a decrease in rainfall. Therefore, reduced vegetation leads to a decrease in surface temperatures and a reduction in rainfall.

A Biogeophysical Feedback Mechanism in the Sahel Relates