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Carbon Dioxide keeps the atmosphere warm by absorbing infra-red heat (from the sun) rising from the warm earth's surface. This heat remains in the atmosphere heating other greenhouse gases and even heating the earth's surface again. This is called the greenhouse effect.

MoreShortwave energy (that emitted by the sun) passes through the atmosphere pretty much unimpeded, to ultimately be intercepted by the ground. The warm ground emits longwave radiation in proportion to the fourth power of its temperature. In a completely dry, CO2-less and ozone-less atmosphere, this upwelling longwave radiation would all be lost to space. Carbon dioxide absorbs upwelling long wave radiation and re-emits it back to the ground, thereby reducing the amount of heat that escapes to space, warming the planet. The warmer planet evaporates more water, and the water vapor absorbs even more longwave radiation than the carbon dioxide, warming the planet even more. AnswerIncoming solar radiation is widely distributed across the electromagnetic spectrum. Some wavelengths (mostly visible light) gets through the atmosphere to the surface, some doesn't. Of the radiation that gets through, some is reflected and some is absorbed by the surface. The reflected radiation is not an issue, because it goes right back into space at the same wavelengths that it came in at, unimpeded, just like on the way in. It is only the absorbed radiation that is (supposedly) a problem. This radiation is later re-emitted, but in the form of Infrared Radiation (IR).

Certain atmospheric gasses, known as "greenhouse gases", absorb IR, then re-emit it back into the atmosphere. Some percentage of this re-emitted IR (after a long sequence of re-absorptions and re-emissions by other greenhouse gas molecules) eventually works its way back down to the lower atmosphere and is said to "warm" the surface. This is the "greenhouse effect". The "greenhouse effect", in and of itself, is a completely natural thing, and also a very good thing. Without it, the surface would be far too cold for life as we know it to exist.

At this point, it must be empasized that carbon dioxide (CO2) is just one of many so-called "greenhouse gases". It is not the most important, nor the most abundant. That distinction belongs to water vapor. Even without carbon dioxide, water vapor alone would cause enough of a greenhouse effect to keep us very near the warm temperatures that we enjoy. Also worth emphasizing is the fact that greenhouse gasses do not "trap" IR. They absorb, then re-emit the IR, in a completely random direction. It could go up, down, sideways, or any direction in between. Re-absorption by other greenhouse gas molecules complicates the path and destination of an individual unit of IR, but what it all boils down to is that something less than half of the IR absorbed by greenhouse gasses eventually finds its way back to the surface, with the remainder escaping into space.

Though the greenhouse effect itself is completely natural, and very beneficial, global warming scientists believe that anthropogenic (man-made) emissions of carbon dioxide (mostly from burning fossil fuels) have increased CO2 in the atmosphere to a point where we are now experiencing an "enhanced greenhouse effect". This artificial enhancement of the greenhouse effect is causing significant warming of the atmosphere and the surface, over and above what the natural greenhouse effect causes.

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What do scientists expect to happen to the climate of the earth if carbon dioxide levels continues to rise?

The climate will become very unusually and we will have stormy climates. It will also be warm at times.


Does warm carbon dioxide rise faster than cold carbon dioxide?

In an atmosphere of carbon dioxide, warm carbon dioxide would rise. Since carbon dioxide is better than twice as dense as air, it would need to be really hot before it would rise.


Does the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide help or harm the earth?

Both. Carbon dioxide helps to keep the earth warm enough for life. This is called the greenhouse effect. Too much carbon dioxide, which is happening now, is making the earth too warm and causing global warming, which then is causing climate change.


What was the climate in the Mississippian period?

During the Mississippian period, the climate was warm and humid, characterized by high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This led to extensive swamp and wetland habitats. Glaciers were absent and the planet was much warmer than today.


Is carbon dioxide warm?

Carbon dioxide itself is not warm or cold, as it is a gas. However, it can contribute to warming the Earth's atmosphere when present in high concentrations, as it is a greenhouse gas that traps heat from the sun.


The greenhouse gas carbon dioxide helps to?

trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect. This process is essential for keeping the Earth's surface warm enough to sustain life. However, an excess of carbon dioxide from human activities is causing the planet to warm at an alarming rate, leading to climate change and its associated impacts.


What happens when the atmosphere has a higher percentage of carbon dioxide and lower oxygen?

The Earth will become hotter as carbon dioxide traps heat to keep the Earth warm. But too much carbon dioxide will cause the Earth to be more warm and that lead to global warming.


What is the impact of forests on climate?

Forests soak up carbon dioxide (which is a greenhouse gas) and store it in a resavoir, when we cut down too many forests enough carbon dioxide cannot be stored and taken out of circulation and so the planet slowly will warm up. Forests act as resevoirs of carbon dioxide and they are an important balance to be maintained in the battle against global warming.


Does earth have carbon dioxide in its atmosphere?

Yes, Earth's atmosphere contains carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a naturally occurring gas essential for life. However, human activities like burning fossil fuels have increased CO2 levels, leading to concerns about climate change.


What are the effects of carbon?

On the human body. You get sick and can't breath because it overpowers the oxygen.On the earth. Enough carbon dioxide keeps the earth warm enough for life.Too much is causing global warming and climate change.


What are two main greenhouse gases that keep the planets atmosphere warm and livable?

The two main greenhouse gases that help keep the Earth's atmosphere warm and livable are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O). These gases trap heat from the sun, which helps maintain a stable climate for supporting life on Earth.


Why does carbon dioxide ice exists on mars and not on earth?

Mars is cold enough for carbon dioxide to solidify at its poles. Earth is too warm for dry ice.