Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is the process where the sun's short rays pass through the Earth's atmosphere, reflect off the surface, and become long waves that are trapped in the atmosphere.

Water Vapour

A greenhouse gas formed when water evaporates.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas produced by respiration of organisms and released from industrial processes.

Methane (CH4)

A greenhouse gas produced from decomposing animals and as a byproduct of digestion in ruminant animals.

Human activities that increase greenhouse effect

Deforestation, burning fossil fuels, and pollution.

Infrared Radiation

Long waves emitted by warm surfaces that cannot pass through glass and are trapped by greenhouse gases.

Combustion of fossil fuels

A major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, resulting from burning coal, oil, and natural gas.

Cultural Burning

Traditional burning practices by Aboriginal peoples to maintain healthy landscapes and promote regrowth.

Back Burning

A fire deliberately lit along a firebreak to remove fuel between the firebreak and an approaching bushfire.

What are greenhouse gases?

Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane.

How does the greenhouse effect help keep Earth warm?

By trapping infrared rays which heat up the planet.

What happens when the greenhouse effect gets too strong?

Increased and heightened natural disasters such as extreme weather events.

Long wave radiation

Infrared radiation that cannot pass through glass and is trapped by greenhouse gases.

Role of plants in the greenhouse effect

Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping to mitigate the greenhouse effect.

Example of climate change impact

Polar bears are losing their habitat due to climate change.