Greenhouse gases make up about 1% of Earth's atmosphere. The most abundant greenhouse gas is water vapor, followed by carbon dioxide, methane, and others. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect and contributing to climate change.
They slow the loss of heat
greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect warms the gases in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases
The glass or plastic walls of a greenhouse represent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by trapping heat energy inside, much like how greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat.
They slow the loss of heat
greenhouse effect
The greenhouse effect warms the gases in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases
The most prominent gases are nitrogen (78 percent), oxygen (21 percent) and argon (nine-tenths of a percent).
The main gases in Venus' atmosphere are carbon dioxide (96.5%) and nitrogen (3.5%). There are also trace amounts of sulfur dioxide and other gases. Venus' atmosphere is extremely dense and dominated by greenhouse gases, leading to a runaway greenhouse effect that makes it the hottest planet in our solar system.
The glass or plastic walls of a greenhouse represent greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by trapping heat energy inside, much like how greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat.
The likely long-term consequence of an increase in the relative percent of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere is global warming and climate change. This can lead to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruption of ecosystems and habitats. It poses threats to human health, agriculture, and water resources.
Of course, greenhouse gases keep the Earth from being one large popsicle. The newest studies of the atmosphere indicate that the atmosphere is pretty stable, now. The reason is that nearly all of the greenhouse gases are water vapor mostly evaporated from the oceans.
If there were no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, Earth's average temperature would be significantly colder. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap heat in the atmosphere, helping to keep the planet warm. Without them, Earth's surface would not retain as much heat from the sun, resulting in much lower temperatures.
Earth's atmosphere is mostly made up of nitrogen, which makes up 79 percent. The atmosphere contains 20 percent oxygen and 1 percent other gases.
Nitrogen and oxygen make up 99% of Earth's atmosphere.