1.1 Global warming

Question 1

Why do we need the greenhouse effect

Answer 1

Radiation (visible and ultraviolet) from the sun passes through the atmosphere and heats the earths surface.

The radiation is then re-emitted as longer wavelength infrared radiation.

.Greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere absorb some of this re-radiated energy.

The absorbed energy is reradiated to other molecules in the atmosphere, out to space and back to the surface of the Earth.

This creates a thermal balance with the amount of thermal radiation entering the atmosphere in equilibrium with the amount of thermal radiation emitted back into space.

This is a natural process, called the natural greenhouse effect, which keeps the troposphere (the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere) warm enough for our survival

Question 2

Erratic weather patterns from global warming

Answer 2

increasing the severity and frequency of natural phenomena.
Bushfires, cyclones, droughts and floods

Climate change may affect patterns of cropping in agriculture.
Droughts, flooding, unusual weather patterns

Animal species in their migration patterns.

Question 3

Melting ice

Answer 3

leads to rising sea levels

Question 4

What is Permafrost and issue if it melts

Answer 4

Permafrost is a combination of soil, rock and sand that are held together by ice. Permafrost is frozen all year round

Issues if Permafrost melt are some buildings are atop the permafrost and can cause sinkholes, permafrost also contains frozen organic matter which could contain disease.

Question 5

Average surface temperature without greenhouse effect

Answer 5

-17 degrees

Question 6

Average surface temperature with greenhouse effect

Answer 6

15 degrees

Question 7

why we need greenhouse effect

Answer 7

its essential for life to survive on earth as it absorbs heat energy and maintains a steady atmospheric temperature to support life

Question 8

Why do we need the greenhouse effect

Answer 8

Without the greenhouse effect, the radiation would be lost to space.

Question 9

Solar radiation entering Earth’s atmosphere consists of

Answer 9

Infrared radiation (IR)
Visible light (ROYGBIV)
Ultraviolet radiation (UV)

Question 10

Percentage of solar radiation that is reflected back to space and why

Answer 10

30% is reflected due to snow, ice and clouds because they are white

Question 11

What is the greenhouse effect

Answer 11

when the earth’s surface absorbs short waves of radiation (uv and visible light) from the sun then reemits it as a longer wavelength (and lower energy) infrared radiation