Assignment 2 Flashcards
What characteristic of atomic structure makes a molecule a greenhouse gas?
3+ atoms.
Greenhouse gas with highest radiative forcing?
CO2.
Greenhouse gas with residence time of about 8-12 years?
Methane.
Largest natural source of atmospheric methane?
Wetlands.
Three main contributors to natural greenhouse effect?
Water vapour; clouds; CO2.
What determines the wavelengths at which greenhouse gas will absorb IR radiation?
Natural vibrational frequency of the molecule.
Greenhouse gas that has decreased in atmospheric concentration over last 10 years?
CFC11/12.
What two factors included in Global Warming Potential of a gas?
Ability to absorb IR; lifetime.
What 3 phase changes releases latent heat into environment?
Condensation; freezing; deposition.
How does water vapour transfer heart from surface to the atmosphere?
By phase change.
Important characteristic of saturation water vapour pressure?
Increases rapidly with temperature.
Why are the subtropics dry?
Descending air motion prevents precipitation.
How are secondary aerosols formed?
Gas to particle reactions in the atmosphere.
How does the aerosol direct effect cool the climate?
Aerosols reflect some solar radiation back to space.
What determines the amount of runoff?
Precipitation minus the evaporation.
