Global Warming Basics

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Questions and Answers

What happens to infrared radiation in the atmosphere due to gases such as CO2 and CFCs?

It passes through the atmosphere unaffected

It is absorbed by the earth's surface

It is trapped in the atmosphere (correct)

It is reflected back into space

What is the primary meaning of the term 'global warming'?

The occurrence of super storms

The rise in sea levels

The melting of polar ice caps

An increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere near its surface (correct)

What is the main purpose of the 'Top Five Things to Know' list about global warming?

To argue for a specific cause of global warming

To provide a concise overview of the key points about global warming (correct)

To present a scientific theory about global warming

To provide a comprehensive explanation of global warming

What is a common issue with discussions about global warming?

Too many opinions and conflicting information Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the host, Temp R.Ture, in the news show?

To provide a neutral and informative overview of the topic Signup and view all the answers

What is a natural factor that contributes to the cycling of carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere?

Volcanic activity Signup and view all the answers

What is a human contribution to greenhouse gas concentrations of carbon dioxide?

Burning of fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What is a byproduct of trash decomposition that can be captured and sold?

Methane gas Signup and view all the answers

Why are fossil fuels the most popular source of energy?

They are the least expensive to use Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the increase in burning of fossil fuels?

Increase in energy production and transportation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the greenhouse effect?

To regulate extreme temperature fluctuations on Earth Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary gases responsible for the greenhouse effect?

Carbon dioxide, Methane, Water vapor, and Nitrous oxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere during pre-Industrial Revolution times?

280 ppm Signup and view all the answers

What is the current trend in the Earth's average temperature?

The Earth's temperature is increasing Signup and view all the answers

What can cause the Earth's temperature to fluctuate?

Both human activities and natural causes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Global Warming Definition

Global warming refers to an increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere near its surface, either from natural or human causes, which may result in a change in global climate patterns.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is the normal trapping of the Earth's heat in the lower atmosphere, due to the conversion of light into heat as it strikes the Earth's surface.
The greenhouse effect is necessary to regulate the Earth's temperature, but a rise in greenhouse gases can lead to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
The greenhouse effect traps infrared radiation, which is converted from visible light, and reflects it back to the Earth, keeping the planet warm.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor, nitrous oxide (N2O), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), trap heat in the atmosphere.
The concentration of these gases can change, leading to a change in the amount of heat they hold in.
Natural causes of greenhouse gases include volcanoes and animal waste, while human causes include combustion of fossil fuels and increased animal waste production from livestock.

Carbon Dioxide Concentration

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen from 315 parts per million (ppm) in 1960 to 391 ppm in 2012.
The estimated CO2 concentration during pre-Industrial Revolution times was 280 ppm.
Carbon dioxide levels naturally fluctuate, but were historically measured to be between 200 and 280 ppm.

Earth's Temperature

The average global temperature fluctuates over time, with natural cycles of warming and cooling.
The Earth's temperature has been this warm before, with geologic evidence of an ice age that occurred in the past.
Scientists have combined data from many sources to put together a timeline of the Earth's average temperature, which has fluctuated up and down with regularity through the past.

Causes of Global Warming

Global warming can have natural or human causes, with natural causes including changes in the Earth's orbit and volcanic eruptions, and human causes including the burning of fossil fuels and decomposition of trash.
Scientists who study the history of the climate have found that the warming cycle has been led by an increase in greenhouse gases and the cooling cycle led by a decrease in greenhouse gases.