Global Warming and The Greenhouse Effect Flashcards
What is the greenhouse effect?
The Greenhouse Effect is a natural phenomenon which allows life as we know it to flourish on Earth.
Steps of the Greenhouse Effect?
Sally’s Son Has Some Earthworms
- sun shines
- solar energy travels through the earth’s atmosphere
- heats up the sea and land
- Some heat escapes back into space
- Earth is warm enough to sustain a massive variety of life
What is the problem ?
Since the industrial revolution, the concentration of carbon dioxide and methane has increased, and will carry on increasing, because of human activity.
What release CO2 into the atmosphere?
Human activity or the combustion of any type of fuel
What do we call the heat that is trapped or escapes the atmosphere?
Infrared heat
What is global warming ?
Global warming is the heating up of the globe.
When does global warming occur ?
Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide and other air pollutants like methane collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that has bounced off the earth’s surface. Normally this radiation would escape into space but these pollutants trap the heat and cause the planet to get hotter.
How long can greenhouse gases/ pollutants last?
For years to centuries
What is step 1 of global warming ?
Sandy
- Solar radiation reaches the earth’s atmosphere - some of this is reflected back into space.
What is step 2 ?
Ruined
rest of the sun’s energy is absorbed by the land and the oceans, heating the Earth.
Step 3?
Her
Heat radiates from Earth towards space.
Step 4?
Sister’s
Some of this heat is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm enough to sustain life.
Step 5?
Huge
Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, agriculture and land clearing are increasing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Step 6?
Tiara
This is trapping EXTRA heat and causing the Earth’s temperature to rise.
What are the main greenhouse gases?
Water vapour, methane and carbon dioxide.
