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Global Warming
Global Warming is the century-scale rise in the average temperature of the Earth's surface, oceans, and atmosphere due to an increase in the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels or from deforestation trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth. This warming is causing climate patterns to change.
11,528 Questions
What are suspended particles in the air?
More than human economic activities produce greenhouse gases, but also to create a large amount of suspended particles. They have a cooling effect on the atmospheric radiation and the net effect of greenhouse gases the contrary. Suspended particles are floating in the air of small particles (diameter between 0.001 ~ 10μm) a general term, has the natural and man-made. Natural suspended particles have ash, flue dust (soil dust; most from North Africa and the Asian desert areas), sea salt aerosol and so on. Man-made industrial dust suspended particles have (industrial dust; mostly produced by incomplete combustion of impurities), soot, sulfate and nitrate and other suspended particles.
Larger sizes of suspended particles by the gravity traction quickly dropped the surface, stay in the atmosphere is very short, little impact on climate. Small particles of suspended particles, although the largest quantity, but quality and the proportion of surface area is too small, the impact on climate is not much. Therefore, the impact of climate biggest diameter of suspended particles around in between 0.1 ~ 1μm.
Suspended particles absorb radiation, and scattering of solar radiation. Suspended particles in the presence of a high temperature may rise, other regions are cooling. For example, near the surface of soot absorbed short-wave radiation, so that tropospheric warming, but the surface absorption of solar radiation has decreased, the temperature drop. In another example, the stratospheric volcanic ash in the absorption of atmospheric long-wave radiation, so that stratospheric temperature rise, but its strong scattering effect, increase the albedo, reducing the troposphere into the amount of solar radiation, anti-so near the surface temperature dropped. Generally speaking, the majority of suspended particles (apart from soot) imposed on the radiation effects of the troposphere for the cooling effect.
Another role of suspended particles is to serve as cloud condensation nuclei . Water vapor are less than the look, we can see the clouds are water droplets or ice crystals to form. Small water droplets to form cloud condensation nuclei to have it the size of about 0.1 ~ 0.2μm, and we consider the size of suspended particles. Once generated, the small droplets can be formed within minutes of raindrops 2000μm. By volume, the growth of a 1012-fold. Even if there are no impurities, water vapor will reach saturation point, if condensation. However, impurities (such as salt, suspended particles, etc.) exist, allows water vapor did not reach saturation condensation began (just as easy to damp salt caking). For example, a small droplet radius of 0.4μm, if melting has 10-15 grams of salt, the water droplet surface is equivalent to the volume of saturated water vapor relative humidity of 99.6%. That is to say, this one small water droplets can not saturated in water vapor environment, the lessons of the water vapor around constantly growing larger. Once the water vapor in the air condenses into small droplets together to form visible clouds.
With many suspended particles on the characteristics of cloud condensation nuclei, they can increase Xiaoyun droplet (cloud droplet) the quantity, but a further increase in cloud albedo. Consider the equivalent amount of water vapor, if the cloud droplet number, each assigned to a cloud droplet of water vapor less cloud droplet size also small; the other hand, if a small number of cloud droplets, the cloud droplet size larger . Generally speaking, the smaller cloud droplets, cloud albedo larger. In addition, the small size of the cloud droplet formation of precipitation is not easy, because they are too light, but probably would not fall, the decline may also be the way to quickly evaporated.
Increase in atmospheric aerosol content, which may result in the following effects: clouds within the cloud droplet increase in the number, size small is not easy to form precipitation, cloud lifetime is therefore variable length. The Earth's average albedo of 0.3, in which contributions to clouds of 0.2. If the atmospheric cloud cover and cloud albedo increase, and longer life, the Earth's albedo may be larger. In other words, the atmosphere and surface absorbs less solar radiation. From the above discussion, we know that excessive suspended particles serve as condensation may wish to check the indirect effects of the Earth's atmosphere are cooling radiation may make the troposphere and surface temperatures lower. However, can not be denied is that the scientific community of suspended particulate understanding the indirect effects are still quite limited.
Different greenhouse gases in the atmosphere of a long lifespan, within the troposphere aerosol lifetime is only around a week. Once they enter the troposphere, and some by the influence of gravity falling ground, and some dissolved in rainwater, and the formation of acid rain. Greenhouse gases and long lifespan, so that it can send with the atmospheric circulation evenly spread around the world. Suspended particles due to the short lifespan, can be transmitted is not long distance, mostly scattered in the vicinity of regional pollution sources. Therefore, the distribution of it are regional rather than global. Characteristics of this one can clearly suspended particles from man-made sulfate content distribution maps to see: the areas with the highest concentration in the northern hemisphere, such as the eastern United States, Europe and China, the southern hemisphere is much smaller than the Northern Hemisphere content content.
Do carbon 14 levels in the atmosphere change over time?
Yes, carbon-14 levels in the atmosphere can vary over time due to factors like changes in solar activity and Earth's magnetic field. Additionally, human activities like nuclear testing have significantly impacted carbon-14 levels in the atmosphere.
What process is most responsible for the temperature changes that will take place?
Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil, which adds extra carbon dioxide to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What is believed to have caused global warming?
- Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) in industry, transport and electricity generation. This adds carbon dioxide to the greenhouse gases.
- Cutting down forests. This means there are fewer and fewer trees to suck carbon out of the atmosphere.
- Cement and concrete production. Adds carbon dioxide.
- Cattle and poor agricultural practices. Adds methane.
A:
Global warming refers to the warming of the earth since the Industrial Revolution and especially in the recent decades.
There is a natural greenhouse effect in our atmosphere which has kept the planet comfortable for millions of years. This is caused by the greenhouse gasestrapping reflected heat and preventing it escaping into space. The water and carbon cycles support this effect.
Global warming is being caused by two things that humans have done during the past 200 years. We discovered coal, oil and other fossil fuels and began burning them in industry, transport and to generate electricity. This released billions of tons of carbon dioxide which was not part of the carbon cycle, but which instead had been safely sequestered underground for millions of years. This turned the greenhouse effect into an enhanced greenhouse effect, where the extra carbon dioxide is retaining more and more heat, causing global warming.
The other main cause is the deforestation of the world. We have cut down huge forests all over the planet. Trees absorb and store carbon. By destroying so much vegetation we made it impossible for the carbon cycle to function normally.
Some gases that contribute to Global Warming and their man-made sources:
Carbon Dioxide from power plants, from cars, trucks, and airplanes. Also deforestation is responsible for up to 25% of all carbon emissions.
Methane from rice paddies and bogs, fossil fuel productions and bovine flatulence.
Nitrous oxide from nylon and nitric acid production, fertilizers in agriculture, vehicle catalytic converters, and the burning of organic matter.
A further answer
Greenhouse gases are gases that help trap the sun's warmth in our atmosphere. They include water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane. While methane is far less abundant than carbon dioxide, its effect on global warming can be far greater. The greenhouse effect is essential to life on earth as we know it. A reduction in greenhouse gases would result in global cooling, while an increase would result in global warming and climate change.
In the absence of human activity, the amount of carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas, 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. Human activity is what causes an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. By cutting down forests for farming, we are releasing carbon into the atmosphere. But most of all, we are doing so by burning fossil fuels.
There is a great deal of misinformation about global warming, leading many to doubt that it really exists. Until recently, an eminent scientist, although not a climatologist, had his own doubts. Richard Muller, a Physics Professor and longtime critic of climate studies, sought to address what he called "the legitimate concerns" of skeptics who believe global warming is exaggerated or unsure of the science. The Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature project at the University of California, Berkeley, was launched with a team of physicists and statisticians, to challenge the scientific consensus on global warming but is finding that its data-crunching effort is producing results nearly identical to those underlying the prevailing view.
Professor Muller has conceded that the work of the three principal groups that have analysed the temperature trends underlying climate science is "excellent ... We see a global warming trend that is very similar to that previously reported by the other groups."
Pollution in the air caused by me and you.
- the main cause is the excessive amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
- PowerPlants, Factories, Paper, Plastic, Cars, Fires, Non-Energy Efficent Lightbulbs, ALL ARE CAUSED BY HUMANS.
- Whenever we burn coal or oil to make electricity we release the carbon trapped in there and the carbon dioxide goes up and adds to the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
global warming is caused because of the trees being cut down so basicly its man kinds fault
Pollution in the air caused by me and you.
green house gases
Where are we in the natural cycle of global warming?
We should have entered a very gradual cooling phase several centuries ago, based on Milankovitch orbital cycles. Instead global temperature over the past three decades has rapidly increased, and been gradually increasing overall over the past century. This unnatural rise is almost entirely attributable to human activity.
What is the main energy source that drives global warming?
The main energy source for global warming is the sun. The warmth that reaches us from the sun is trapped by the naturally-occurring greenhouse gases, to maintain a comfortable temperature suitable for human habitation. The recent rise in greenhouse gases, resulting from human activity, causes more of the sun's heat to be trapped, resulting in global warming.
In my opinion i would say it is. The doctors and technicians say "oh its safe you only get a little of this or a little of that" but you never really realize what the effects have in the long run. So if you think about it...yeah it is.
Why are scientists concerned about carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels like petrol?
Scientists are concerned about carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels because it is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere traps heat, leading to rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, more extreme weather events, and other environmental impacts. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is essential to combat climate change and its associated risks.
What song to use for a global warming presentation?
"Earth Song" by Michael Jackson would be a fitting choice for a global warming presentation. The lyrics convey messages about environmental stewardship and the consequences of neglecting our planet, which can help reinforce the importance of addressing climate change in your presentation.
Will climate change affect human lifestyle?
Yes. Some of the anticipated effects on human lifestyle will be:
- Food shortages, as some areas experience devastating floods, while others experience prolonged droughts
- Coastal inundation from rising sea levels, resulting in the loss of properties and infrastructure
- Loss of tourist revenue as tourist attractions are destroyed
- Loss of biodiversity in national parks
- More frequent and more severe extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes
What human behavior has contributed to climate change?
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes have released large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures and climate change. Additionally, unsustainable agriculture practices, excessive consumption, and lack of environmental regulations have accelerated the impact of climate change.
What important greenhouse gases does exhaled air contain?
Humans and all other animals exhale carbon dioxide, as part of the natural cycle, in which plants absorb the carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. As long as we have enough plants in the form of trees, algae and other vegetaion, this cycle is sustainable with no increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Cows and sheep also exhale methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas that is not absorbed by plants. This has been blamed as a significant contributor to global warming.
Why is there a need to reduce the use of and recycle plastics?
Reducing the use of plastics is important because they contribute to environmental pollution, harm wildlife, and take hundreds of years to decompose. Recycling plastics helps to conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimize the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or in the environment.
How is carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere when its not been released by a living thing?
Carbon dioxide can be released into the atmosphere through natural processes like volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and the decay of organic matter in soil. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation also contribute significantly to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
What causes a body of water to dry up?
The molecules will escape from the surface into the surrounding air. This happens more or less quickly depending on the temperature and the humidity of the air. Higher temperatures and lower humidity lead to higher evaporation rates. Evaporation also draws energy from the water, cooling it -- the reason why wet skin feels cooler. As the water evaporates the humidity of the air increases, so air movement that moves the humid air onwards will increase the rate of evaporation also.
No, plankton are any microscopic sea-dwelling organisms. these can be plants OR animals.
I just checked (April 20, 2011) on Wikipedia: plankton means 'drifter' or 'wanderer' and can be any of the plants or animals UP TO JELLYFISH size. So small shrimp known as 'krill', ARE part of what makes up plankton.
Please see the link:
How do meteor showers affect global warming?
Meteor showers do not have a significant impact on global warming as they occur too high in the atmosphere to influence Earth's climate. Global warming is driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing temperatures to rise. Meteor showers are natural phenomena that occur when Earth passes through debris left by a comet or asteroid.
What causes the green house effect to occur?
The greenhouse effect causes the earth to keep naturally warm. This has gone on for millions of years.
The enhanced greenhouse effect happens because humans started burning fossil fuel and cutting down trees. This meant that more carbon dioxide started building up in the atmosphere, too much for the natural carbon cycle to deal with. This extra build up of greenhouse gas is causing global warming.
What do tree rings have to do with global warming?
Trees tend to grow faster during warmer and wetter years, and this is reflected in the tree rings. Scientists can look back through the centuries using tree rings, and identify which years were warmer. If there is a warming or cooling phase, the rate of change and its duration can be identified readily from adjacent tree rings. With the help of this process, they have been able to show that the current global warming phase represents the fastest increase in average temperatures for several thousand years.
How is global warming connected to other resources?
Global warming is connected to other resources through its impact on key ecosystems and natural resources. For example, melting polar ice caps due to global warming can lead to rising sea levels, affecting coastal communities and habitats. Additionally, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can impact agriculture, water availability, and biodiversity, highlighting the interconnected nature of global warming with other resources.
What happens to the climate if you put extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
The climate you currently experience will change as the planet warms.
A:There is no reliable evidence that levels of CO2 above 100PPM have any increased effect in the real world, although the IPCC and other political groups do make this claim.The bulk of green house gas is water vapor and these levels change change in the atmosphere from 0% to 5% rapidly with no corresponding temperature change. In fact, while the IPCC claims a 6% jump in CO2 over the past decade, the data shows a slight cooling trend. Historically, every cooling trend has started during times of high CO2 and every warming trend (including this one) has started during unusually low CO2 levels. We can clearly see, from actual data, that CO2 follows temperature and never has led it. (see links)
What do greenhouse gases do with the heat released from earth in the form of infra-red radiation?
Greenhouse gases absorb and retain the heat rising from the earth. As greenhouse gases are increasing, so is the temperature of the earth. This is causing global warming and climate change.
This heat is released during the cooler periods of the day which, in turn allow life to exist on the planet. The heat is not indefinitely retained, but part of the natural process.
Some people may dislike summer because of the intense heat and humidity, which can be uncomfortable for many individuals. Others may also struggle with allergies or sensitivities to things like pollen that are more prevalent during the summer months. Additionally, some individuals may have had negative experiences associated with summer, such as traumatic events or difficult memories.
What is the danger if ozone is present in troposphere?
Ozone in the troposphere can cause respiratory issues, worsen asthma, and irritate lung tissues. It can also harm plant life, crop yields, and ecosystems. Additionally, ozone is a greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming.
Would volcanic ash increase or decrease temperature in the earth's atmosphere?
Temperatures tend to fall as atmospheric particulate matter increases. This has been known from massive volcanic explosions, and a small handful of scientists some years back proposed a global thermonuclear war could potentially plunge earth into a "nuclear winter," or new ice age. We now know particulate settles out relatively quickly, so that the nuclear winter would only last 2-5 years.
Both the particulate and the hydrogen sulfide gas would have an immediate cooling effect. Volcanoes also emit CO2, which lingers in the atmosphere thousands of times longer than the particulate. So although the initial effect would be cooling, the long term effect would be a slight warming. A LOT of volcanoes could build up CO2 levels significantly over thousands of years.
At the present time humans release about 100 times the CO2 of all earth's volcanoes combined, according to the USGS.
