OJ

Comprehensive Notes on Greenhouse Gases and Their Impact on Climate

Greenhouse Gases and Their Effects

  • Essential Components of Atmosphere:

    • Water vapor is a key component of greenhouse gases.
    • Greenhouse gases absorb most of the sunlight that reaches Earth, making life possible.
    • Average temperature maintained by greenhouse gases: 59°F.
  • Role of Nitrogen and Oxygen:

    • Nitrogen and oxygen do not absorb solar radiation.
  • Milankovitch Cycles:

    • Refers to the wobbles in Earth’s tilt and orbital path around the Sun.
    • These tilting angles vary between 22 to 25 degrees.
  • Effects of Reduced Tilt:

    • Milder summers and winters.
    • Increased potential for ice build-up.
    • Prevention of complete summer ice melt in polar regions.
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP):

    • Definition: The relative ability of one molecule of a greenhouse gas to contribute to warming compared to carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • Types of Greenhouse Gases:

    • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
    • Source: Burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil).
    • Fluorinated Gases
    • Source: Industrial processes.
    • Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
    • Source: Agricultural activities, industrial processes, and combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
    • Methane (CH4)
    • Source: Production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil.
  • Significance of CO2:

    • Most significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming caused by human activities.
    • Primary sources include burning fossil fuels, biomass burning, deforestation, and cellular respiration.
  • Methane Production:

    • Naturally produced in anaerobic environments.
    • Primary sources include anaerobic decomposition, gas drilling and production, and coal mining.
  • Nitrous Oxide (N2O):

    • Has a higher global warming potential than CO2 and CH4.
    • Primary sources include soil bacteria, fertilizer overuse, anaerobic decomposition, and sewage treatment.

Human Impact on Climate

  • Particulate Matter and Albedo Effect:
    • Human activities contribute to increased levels of carbon black, soot, dust, and particulates in the atmosphere.
    • This decreases the albedo of light-colored surfaces, leading to greater absorption of solar radiation and resulting in climate warming.