Geography - Global Warming

Insolation

Exposure to the suns rays

Re-radiation

The emission of radiation, especially heat (infrared), after the absorption of incident radiation

Short vs. long-wave radiation

The shorter the wavelength, the higher the transported energy

Atmosphere layers - especially the one where most of the weather takes place

Global warming gasses (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons)

• Water Vapor (H₂O):

  While naturally occurring and a major component of the atmosphere, water vapor acts as a feedback mechanism, meaning its concentration increases as temperatures rise, amplifying the warming effect. 

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):

  A vital component of the atmosphere, CO₂ is released through natural processes and human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. It is the primary anthropogenic greenhouse gas. 

• Methane (CH₄):

  Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, naturally produced by animals and through the decay of biomass, and also released by human activities. 

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):

  These synthetic compounds, once widely used in refrigeration and other applications, are extremely potent greenhouse gases and also contribute to ozone depletion. Their production has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol. 

Processes impacting earth’s energy balance (variations in solar radiation) 

Albedo, greenhouse gases, and atmospheric conditions

Albedo

The amount of incoming solar energy reflected back into the atmosphere by the Earth's surface.

Global dimming

A decline in the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface

Positive & negative feedback loops

Occurs to increase the change or output

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Occurs in biology when the product of a reaction leads to a decrease in that reaction

The enhanced greenhouse effect vs. the greenhouse effect

Where extra greenhouse gases in our atmosphere trap too much of the Sun's energy

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A natural process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap outgoing heat, warming the planet and making it habitable