SCI - greenhouse effect

What is the greenhouse effect?

The natural process that traps the sun's heat through infrared radiation in the atmosphere, warming the Earth.

How does the greenhouse effect work?

The sun emits radiation that the Earth's surface absorbs. The heat is then reemitted through infrared radiation and trapped in the atmosphere, warming the Earth

Why is the greenhouse gas effect important for life on Earth?

It keeps the Earth's temperature stable and suitable for living organisms, maintains liquid water, and supports ecosystems and climates

What would Earth be like without the greenhouse effect?

It would be very cold, too cold for most life forms and liquid water to exist

What are the main greenhouse gases?

carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect

The strengthening of the natural greenhouse effect through human activity causing more heat to be trapped and leading to global warming

How do human activities increase greenhouse gases?

Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases like carbon and methane

How does carbon dioxide affect the atmosphere?

It traps heat, contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to a rise in global temperatures and climate change

What environmental impacts result from increased CO2 and global warming?

Rising sea levels, stronger storms, melting ice caps, heatwaves, habitat loss

How are carbon dioxide emissions and the greenhouse gas effect connected?

Carbon is one of the main greenhouse gases. More carbon leads to more heat trapped in the atmosphere, resulting in ehancing the greenhouse effect and global warming