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The greenhouse effect happens because gases in the air absorb the sun's radiation - why does this matter?
This matters because as the amount of greenhouse gases increases, it prevents the radiation moving out into space and keeping the planet at a steady temperature. Since the industrial revolution 200 years ago we have been gradually burning more and more coal and oil, and so releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Our demand for mean means that we cut down forests so that billions of cattle can graze. These cattle belch out methane, a more dangerous greenhouse gas. If the earth warms up by more than two degrees our coastlands will be under water, our fertile lands will be desert and millions of climate change refugees will be moving all over the globe in search of water and crop growing lands.
What else can I help you with?
Why is nitrogen not considered a greenhouse gas?
Nitrogen is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not absorb or emit infrared radiation, which is necessary for a gas to contribute to the greenhouse effect.
How do greenhouse gases absorb shortwave radiation?
Greenhouse gases absorb shortwave radiation by allowing it to pass through the Earth's atmosphere and reach the surface. Once the radiation hits the surface, it is absorbed and re-emitted as longwave radiation. Greenhouse gases then trap this longwave radiation, preventing it from escaping back into space and causing the Earth's temperature to rise.
Why is helium a greenhouse gas?
Helium is not considered a greenhouse gas because it is chemically inert and does not interact with other atmospheric gases to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are able to absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Helium does not have these properties.
How do greenhouse gases absorb solar radiation and contribute to the Earth's warming?
Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere absorb solar radiation, trapping heat and preventing it from escaping back into space. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature, causing global warming.
What does carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb?
Carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb infrared radiation from the sun and the Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect and trapping heat in the atmosphere.
What happens to greenhouse gas molecules when they encounter infrared radiation?
When greenhouse gas molecules encounter infrared radiation, they absorb the radiation and become energized. This causes them to vibrate and release heat energy, which contributes to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere.
Why is nitrogen not considered a greenhouse gas?
Nitrogen is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not absorb or emit infrared radiation, which is necessary for a gas to contribute to the greenhouse effect.
What gases absorb infrared radiation?
The gases that absorb infrared radiation are known as greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.
How do greenhouse gases absorb shortwave radiation?
Greenhouse gases absorb shortwave radiation by allowing it to pass through the Earth's atmosphere and reach the surface. Once the radiation hits the surface, it is absorbed and re-emitted as longwave radiation. Greenhouse gases then trap this longwave radiation, preventing it from escaping back into space and causing the Earth's temperature to rise.
How do greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation?
Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation by trapping and re-emitting heat energy in the Earth's atmosphere. This process allows them to retain heat and contribute to the warming of the planet.
How do greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and contribute to the Earth's warming?
Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere absorb infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. This absorption traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to the warming of the Earth's surface. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.
Why is helium a greenhouse gas?
Helium is not considered a greenhouse gas because it is chemically inert and does not interact with other atmospheric gases to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane are able to absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Helium does not have these properties.
How do greenhouse gases absorb solar radiation and contribute to the Earth's warming?
Greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere absorb solar radiation, trapping heat and preventing it from escaping back into space. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature, causing global warming.
What can greenhouse gas molecules do when they encounter infrared radiation?
Greenhouse gas molecules can absorb and re-emit infrared radiation when they encounter it. This process traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Why are nitrogen and oxygen not considered greenhouse gases?
Nitrogen and oxygen are not considered greenhouse gases because they do not absorb or emit infrared radiation, which is necessary for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane have this ability, leading to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
What happens when carbon dioxide and water vapor methane and other gases absorb solar radiation?
These greenhouse gases heat up in the atmosphere. This heat moves in all directions, including back down to the earth's surface. Because the levels of greenhouse gas are rising, the earth is getting warmer. This is called global warming.
What type of radiation from Earth is the long-wave radiation absorbed by greenhouse gases?
The long-wave radiation absorbed by greenhouse gases is primarily in the form of infrared radiation. After the Earth's surface absorbs solar energy, it re-emits this energy as infrared radiation, which has longer wavelengths compared to the short-wave radiation from the sun. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, absorb and re-radiate this infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect and warming the planet.
