Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect
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Questions and Answers

Why is the greenhouse effect considered a normal and necessary phenomenon for Earth?

  • It filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation, protecting life on Earth.
  • It regulates temperature fluctuations, preventing extreme highs and lows. (correct)
  • It maintains a stable atmospheric pressure, preventing drastic weather changes.
  • It completely blocks all incoming solar radiation, preventing overheating.

Which of the following statements best describes the process of the greenhouse effect, as it relates to global warming?

  • Greenhouse gases convert ultraviolet radiation into harmless visible light.
  • Infrared radiation is trapped by greenhouse gases, preventing heat from escaping into space. (correct)
  • Visible light is reflected back into space by greenhouse gases, cooling the atmosphere.
  • Shortwave radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases, preventing it from reaching Earth's surface.

What is the most accurate, basic definition of global warming, according to the information provided?

  • A widespread term used to describe any environmental problem.
  • A scientifically proven theory of Earth's imminent overheating.
  • The increase in frequency of extreme weather events worldwide.
  • An increase in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere near its surface. (correct)

How does the conversion of visible light to infrared radiation contribute to the greenhouse effect?

<p>Infrared radiation, or heat, is trapped by certain gases in the atmosphere, warming the Earth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following analogies best describes the greenhouse effect's role in regulating Earth's temperature?

<p>A blanket keeping a person warm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

<p>Increased combustion of fossil fuels causing a significant rise in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and a corresponding magnification of the greenhouse effect. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the historical data regarding Earth's temperature and greenhouse gas concentrations, which statement accurately reflects the relationship between them?

<p>Increases in greenhouse gas concentrations have historically led to warming periods, while decreases have led to cooling periods. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If pre-Industrial Revolution CO2 levels were approximately 280 ppm and levels reached 391 ppm in 2012, what is the percentage increase in CO2 concentration?

<p>Approximately 40% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between natural and human-caused contributions to greenhouse gas concentrations?

<p>Natural causes lead to gradual changes over long periods, while human causes have resulted in a rapid increase in a relatively short time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the evidence presented, what is the most likely long-term outcome of continued increases in greenhouse gas emissions?

<p>A continuation of the warming trend, potentially disrupting natural climate cycles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Global Warming

Increase in Earth's average atmospheric temperature near the surface, potentially altering global climate patterns.

Greenhouse Effect

Normal trapping of Earth's heat in the lower atmosphere.

Light to Heat Conversion

Conversion of light into heat upon striking the Earth's surface.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases trap infrared radiation in the atmosphere.

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Heat Trapping

Trapping of heat by gases in the atmosphere increases temperature.

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Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The magnification of the greenhouse effect due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

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Natural Temperature Variation

Earth's average temperature fluctuates naturally over time, influenced by greenhouse gas levels.

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Causes of Warming/Cooling

Warming and cooling cycles are linked to increases and decreases in greenhouse gases.

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Human Impact on Greenhouse Gases

Burning fossil fuels and decomposition of trash which increase greenhouse gas emissions.

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Study Notes

  • Global warming refers to an increase in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere near the surface, which may result in changes to global climate patterns.

Greenhouse Effect

  • The greenhouse effect is the normal trapping of the Earth's heat in the lower atmosphere.
  • It's caused by the conversion of light into heat when it strikes Earth's surface.
  • The greenhouse effect helps regulate extreme temperature fluctuations.
  • Visible light (shortwave radiation) passes through the atmosphere and is converted to infrared radiation (heat).
  • Some heat escapes into space, while greenhouse gases trap some and reflect it back to Earth.

Greenhouse Gases

  • Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
  • Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor, nitrous oxide (N20), and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
  • Changes in the concentration of these gases affect the amount of trapped heat.
  • A rise in a greenhouse gas concentration can lead to an enhanced greenhouse effect.
  • Natural causes of greenhouse gas emissions include volcanoes and animal waste.
  • Human causes include combustion of fossil fuels and increased livestock production, leading to more animal waste.

Carbon Dioxide Increase

  • The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing.
  • CO2 concentration has risen from 315 parts per million (ppm) in 1960 to 391 ppm in October 2012.
  • Before the Industrial Revolution, the estimated CO2 concentration was 280 ppm.
  • Historically, CO2 levels fluctuated between 200 and 280 ppm.
  • Scientists believe temperature fluctuated as a result of the cycling CO2 levels.

Earth's Temperature

  • The average temperature of the Earth fluctuates over time.
  • Geological evidence indicates past ice ages such as the one that formed the Great Lakes.
  • Scientists have created a timeline of Earth's average temperature using combined data sources.
  • The Earth's temperature has fluctuated with regularity in the past.
  • Scientists expect warming to be followed by a cooling cycle.
  • Future temperature trends may be affected by increased carbon dioxide levels.

Causes of Global Warming

  • Global warming has both natural and human causes.
  • Warming cycles are linked to an increase in greenhouse gases.
  • Cooling cycles are linked to a decrease in greenhouse gases.
  • Natural CO2 sources include volcanoes and changes in the sun's intensity.
  • Human contributions to greenhouse gases include burning fossil fuels and decomposition of trash.
  • Burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation is a primary contributor.
  • Decomposition of trash produces methane gas.

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Description

Global warming is the increase in Earth's average temperature, potentially altering climate patterns. The greenhouse effect, caused by gases trapping heat in the atmosphere, regulates temperature fluctuations. Key greenhouse gases include CO2, methane, and water vapor, with concentration changes affecting heat retention.

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