Global Warming

Question 1

Explain the greenhouse effect, how does the atmosphere heat up

Answer 1

Burning fossil fuels increases gases in atmosphere that prevent heat escaping into space

Shorter wavelength infrared waves radiate from sun and pass through atmosphere and are absorbed by Earth
Longer wavelength infrared waves (emitted by Earth as it is colder than the sun) are absorbed by gases in atmosphere and cannot pass through, and heat up

Question 2

Give examples of greenhouse gases

Answer 2

Carbon dioxide
Water vapour
Methane

Question 3

Why is carbon dioxide considered the biggest cause of global warming

Answer 3

Although methane absorbs more heat, carbon dioxide levels are rising faster with burning of fossil fuels

Question 4

What could climate change entail

Answer 4

Changing weather patterns

Eg, more or less rainfall and flooding
Hurricanes,droughts

Question 5

Give a natural phenomena that can change the climate

Answer 5

Dust from volcanic ash clouds reflect radiation from sun back into space, cooling Earth

Question 6

What might suggest climate was different in the past

Answer 6

Tree rings in timber

If thick, tree grew more due to warmer weather

Question 6

Why do some people not believe evidence of global warming

Answer 6

They see that local weather is not changing (one effect in a tiny part of the world)

Averages are taken all over the world however