ABSTRACT
The ‘ice-albedo positive feedback’ is the more significant because of a property of water that we take for granted but which is, in fact, exceptional. During its transition from liquid to solid, it expands. Other rather singular H2O properties likewise shape the climate of our biosphere. An overall result is that, despite lowish albedo, sea surfaces warm up or cool more slowly than land over whatever time-frame. Water vapour in the air above works against heat transfers, particularly from the sea outwards. In most latitudes, cumuliform cloud is more prevalent over the oceans. The latent heat of evaporation or condensation is a further constraint.
