Global Warming

Question 1

Solar constant

Answer 1

Amount of energy absorbed for every m3 facing the Sun

Question 2

Albedo

Answer 2

Amount of light reflected

Question 3

Radiative forcing

Answer 3

Positive feedback system, molecules in atmosphere absorb mid-IR emission, produces vibrationaly excited molecules, collisions convert this to translation energy which warms atmosphere, planets surface heats, mid-IR emission spectrum moves to shorter wavelengths with increased intensity, mid-IR emission from plane surface and so on

Question 4

What molecules absorb radiation

Answer 4

Trace gases

Question 5

How has increased CO2 levels increased global temps

Answer 5

Increased global CO2 levels enhances radiative forcing slightly giving increased temps, warmer oceans don’t absorb as much CO2 and there’s more H2Ο evaporation, further enhances radicalise forcing and this continues until a new equilibrium is reached

Question 6

Why only 1K rise?

Answer 6

Increased sulfur emissions increased amount of sulfate aerosol increased thickness of Jung layer and albedo of our planet

Question 7

Why can’t we just add more trace gases to absorb radiation?

Answer 7

This will enhance radiative forcing as they have enhanced global warming potential

Question 8

Global warming potential

Answer 8

Increasing number of atoms in molecule increases number of vibrational modes and GWP increases
Also need to think of lifetime in atmosphere