Greenhouse effect

Question 1

Explain the green house effect

Answer 1

• Earth is warmed by the absorbtion of visibile radioation from the sun and is cooled by the emission of infared radiation back to space
• Much of the radiation emitted by Earth’s surface, is absorbed and re-emmited back by Greenhouse gases

Question 2

Why is this important?

Answer 2

• The result is a greenhouse effect that warms the surface by 33 d
• Without this, Earth would be too cold to sustain life

Question 3

How do greenhouse gases work?

Answer 3

They absorb infared radiation by changing the rate at which individual molecules rotate or vibrate. Trace gases absorb different radiation wavelengths

Question 4

What are two common Greenhouse gases?

Answer 4

H2O and CO2

Question 5

How do clouds affect the climate?

Answer 5

• By trapping the heat underneath
• By reflecting sunlight
• Thin, high clouds make the surface warmer
• Thick, low clouds cool the surface down

Question 6

Name two feedback loops and explain them

Answer 6

• Albedo effect
• Water vapour
• Clouds