Greenhouse effect and GHG

Question 1

Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer 1

around 380 ppm

stayed at 275 ppm for around 1800 years

accounts for 75% of anthropogenic emissions

comes from burning fossil fuels, volcanic activity and respiration

Question 2

Methane in the atmosphere

Answer 2

1900 ppb

stayed at around 700ppm for around 1800 years

25x more global warming potential than CO2

comes from cattle farming and decomposition

Question 3

Water Vapour in the atmosphere

Answer 3

Biggest contributor

increased by 7% since 1970’s

comes from breathing and humid tropic air

Question 4

Nitrous Oxide in the atmosphere

Answer 4

Now at 320 ppm

stayed at 260 ppm for 1800 years

comes from agriculture, fossil fuels, and the nitrogen cycle

Question 5

Halocarbons in the atmosphere

Answer 5

Comes from aerosols and refrigerents

there are no natural sources of them

Question 6

What radiation does the sun emit?

Answer 6

Short wave

Question 7

What radiation is reflected by the Earth?

Answer 7

Longwave