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Questions and Answers
Which greenhouse gas is recognized as the second-largest contributor to climate warming?
What is one consequence of carbon dioxide dissolving into the ocean?
What role does carbon dioxide play in maintaining Earth's average temperature?
How do greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane contribute to the greenhouse effect?
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Which of the following greenhouse gases is primarily formed from combustion and respiration?
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What is the primary function of nitrogen in the context of greenhouse gases?
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What was responsible for approximately two-thirds of the total heating influence of all human-produced greenhouse gases in 2021?
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Which greenhouse gas is characterized as a colorless gas with a faint sharp odor and sour taste?
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why methane decreases the air quality and leading to various health issues in animals, premature human deaths, and reduced crop yields?
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What percentage of today's methane emissions are attributed to human activities?
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How does methane affect the availability of hydroxyl radicals in the atmosphere?
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List two major sources of methane emissions.
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What is the potency of methane as a greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide over a 20-year period?
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What is one significant health impact associated with exposure to ground-level ozone formed by methane?
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Study Notes
Greenhouse Gases
- Greenhouse gases (GHGs) trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
- The greenhouse effect is a natural process that helps regulate Earth's temperature.
- The average surface temperature on Earth is approximately 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
- Without GHGs, Earth's temperature would be too cold to support life.
Main Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
- Ozone
- Chlorofluorocarbons
Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas with a faint, sharp odor and a sour taste.
- It is produced by the combustion of carbon-containing materials, fermentation, and respiration.
- Plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
- Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
- Carbon dioxide is responsible for about two-thirds of the total heating influence of all human-produced greenhouse gases.
- Carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, causing ocean acidification.
Methane
- Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.
- It is the second-largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide.
- Methane traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Methane Emissions
- 60% of methane emissions are caused by human activities.
- Major sources of methane emissions are agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste decomposition.
Methane Impact on Air Quality
- Methane's reaction with hydroxyl radicals (OH) reduces the number available for removal of other pollutants.
- Methane contributes to the formation of ozone, a harmful air pollutant.
- Ozone exposure leads to 1 million premature deaths annually.
Methane as a Greenhouse Gas
- Methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming the planet over a 20-year period.
- Methane has contributed to 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times.
- Methane levels are increasing faster than ever before, even during pandemic lockdowns.
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Description
Test your knowledge on greenhouse gases and their effects on Earth's atmosphere. This quiz covers essential concepts such as the greenhouse effect, major gases involved, and their roles in climate regulation. Perfect for students learning about environmental science.
