1.3 - Greenhouse Gases

Question 1

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 1

A natural process that involves warming the lower atmosphere of the earth
Without this, the average surface temperature would be too low to sustain life

Question 2

What is the radiation does the sun emit?

Answer 2

UV (ultra violet) and IR (infrared)

Question 3

What gases absorb IR radiation?

Answer 3

CO2 and H2O

These are known as greenhouse gases

Question 4

Common greenhouse gases

Answer 4

Carbon dioxide
Methane
Synthetic halocarbons
Nitrogen oxides

Question 5

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

Answer 5

Increased concentration of greenhouse gases

Question 6

What are the effects of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

Answer 6

Leads to an imbalance in the natural process, more IR radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and therefore earths surface temperature increases

Question 7

Environment concerns for the enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 7

Polar icecaps melting
Warming of the oceans, causes sea levels to rise
Changes in rainfall patterns
Increase intensity and frequency of extreme weather events
Retreating glaciers
Food production disrupted