Greenhouse Effect

Question 1

Define fossil fuels and provide examples

“Fossil fuels are natural substances formed…”

Answer 1

Fossil fuels are natural substances formed from the remains of ancient organisms, primarily used as energy sources.

or

Non-renewable resources formed from ancient organic matter (e.g., coal, oil, natural gas).

Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.

Question 2

Define greenhouse gases and identify their main sources

Answer 2

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Main sources include carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour, and nitrous oxide.

Question 3

Explain the process of the natural greenhouse effect

Answer 3

The natural greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.

or

• Solar radiation warms Earth’s surface.
• Some heat is absorbed by greenhouse gases and re-radiated back to Earth, maintaining a habitable temperature.

Question 4

Explain the enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 4

The enhancead greenhouse effect refers to the increased warming of the Earth due to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases from human activities.
.

Question 5

Explain how different human activities are contributing to the enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 5

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes increase greenhouse gases, leading to more heat being trapped, causing global warming.

Question 6

Define and explain the role of terrestrial radiation

Answer 6

Terrestrial Radiation = The release of heat energy from Earth’s surface, which greenhouse gases trap in the atmosphere.

It plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s temperature and is affected by greenhouse gases.