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greenhouse effect
absorption of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases and re-radiation of the energy back toward Earth
what is incoming solar radiation primarily made up of?
UV and visible light
how much energy from greenhouses gases is reflected back into space?
1/3
where does the remaining energy get absorbed by?
clouds and surface of the planet
what does the absorption of greenhouse gases by the clouds and surface cause?
they become warmer and emit infrared radiation
what is the process of greenhouse gases?
absorb infrared radiation, warm and emit infrared radiation and then much of it goes back toward Earth
why are greenhouse gases vital?
they warm the Earth making it livable
what does certain gases having higher thermal retention property mean?
they are able to hold onto heat energy at a greater rate than others
principal greenhouse gases are:
carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons
what is the most common greenhouse gas?
water vapor
what greenhouse gas absorb the most infrared radiation?
water vapor
does water vapor impact global climate change a lot?
no because of its short residence time
Global warming potential
estimate of much a molecule of any compound cna contribute to global warming over a period of 100 years relative to molecule of CO2
why is CO2 used as a comparison point for other gasses?
it has a GWP of 1
what gas has the highest GWP?
chlorofluorocarbons (13,000)
why are volcanic eruptions great sources of greenhouse gases?
large amounts of CO2 and ash are released they erupt and can disrupt the climate greatly
what are big eruptions known for?
reducing global temperatures because they block solar radiation.
why is carbon dioxide an impactful greenhouse gas?
naturally occurs as a byproduct of metabolic reaction and the combustion of fossil fuels
why is methane an big part of greenhouse gas emissions?
it produces when organisms decompose under low oxygen condition, it occurs in environments like wetlands and in the guts of animals, and it increases in cattle farming
why does nitrous oxide release greenhouse gases
it is produced in the process of denitrification and comes more from areas like wetlands and the ocean, and humans have increased the production of nitrous oxide with the combustion of fossil fuels
how do CFCs effect greenhouse gas emissions.
man made aerosol propellants
what were CFCs replaced with?
hydrofluorocarbons which reverse ozone damage
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