climate conditions, natural events and human activity
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Most significant greenhouse gases
Carbon dioxide and water vapour
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Gases that have less impact
methane and nitrogen oxides
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Greenhouse gases
They absorb and emit long-wave (infrared) radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere
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Factors that affect atmosphere warming
The gas’ ability to absorb long wave radiation and concentration in the atmosphere
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The warmed Earth
emits longer wavelength radiation (heat)
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The greenhouse effect
a natural process where the atmosphere behaves like a greenhouse to trap and retain heat
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How the Greenhouse Effect Works
Earth absorbs short wave radiation from the sun and re-emits it at a longer wavelength. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate the longer wave radiation and hence retain the heat within the atmosphere.
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Ocean Acidification
Rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide decrease the pH of the water
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Consequences of Ocean Acidification
Disappearance of coral reefs, loss in revenue from food industries, increasing dissolved CO2 levels in oceans would cause invasive species of algae to flourish (more photosynthesis).