What is the function of the green house gases?

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases are gases that help trap the sun's warmth in our atmosphere and, at normal levels, keep the earth at a comfortable temperature suitable for human existence. Water vapour is abundant in the atmosphere, but is sometimes called a greenhouse enhancer, as its atmospheric concentration varies with temperature, providing positive feedback to enhance changes already occurring. While methane is far less abundant than carbon dioxide, its effect on global warming can be far greater.

In the absence of human activity, the amount of carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas apart from water vapour, remains relatively constant over a long period of time. There is, of course, a recycling of carbon to carbon dioxide and back, as plants take in carbon dioxide, convert it to organic matter, then die and decay (or are burnt in forest fires), once again giving off carbon dioxide, but this natural cycle does not alter the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. A slight reduction in greenhouse gases would result in global cooling, while a slight increae would result in global warming and climate change.

Answer 2

Greenhouse gases keep the atmosphere relatively warm and the earth habitable. Without them, the average temperature of the earth would be below zero. Adding them to the atmosphere, as we have done in the last 2 centuries, acts to further warm the earth and alter the climate system.

Answer 3

Greenhouse gasses act as a heat trap. Without them life on earth would not be viable.

The problem is that mankind is adding to them and upsetting the natural balance. By how much and how quickly is a matter of great controversy.

Answer 4

The greenhouse gases support the greenhouse effect is what has kept the planet warm for millions of years. Naturally carbon dioxide and other gases are released through the normal activity of animals and plants. This creates a blanket over the earth. Essentially without this earth would be too cold to sustain life. This movement of carbon known as the carbon cycle.

It is the enhanced (or accelerated) greenhouse effect that causes global warming. Additional greenhouse gases, released by man's burning of fossil fuels over the past 200 years are putting all this extra carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gases) into the atmosphere.

It is the extra CO2 that is the problem. Ten of the hottest years on record have occurred since 1995.

Answer 5

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect. This keeps the Earth's surface warmer than it would be otherwise, making the planet habitable for life. Excessive greenhouse gas emissions, however, contribute to global warming and climate change.

Answer 6

The job of greenhouse gases is too keep in the sun's heat so that we can survive. Greenhouse gases keep the Earth at a reasonable temperature so we do not freeze or burn.

Answer 7

The purpose of greenhouse gases is to maintain temperature. It is where it got its name.