Lesson 4 - Greenhouse Effect Flashcards
Why is a balanced carbon cycle important?
Controls atmospheric CO2
Regulates global temperatures
Affects hydrological cycle
What % of shortwave radiation is reflected by Earth?
31%
Reflected by aerosols, atmospheric gas + land surface
How is the remaining 69% absorbed?
50% at surface (Especially oceans)
50% re-radiated to space as longwave readiation
What happens to a large proportion of this longwave radiation?
Re-radiated back to Earth surface
‘Trapped’ by clouds + GGs
How does the natural greenhouse effect affect global atmospheric temperatures?
Maintains life supporting avg. 15’C
Would be -6’C otherwise
How have atmospheric GG concentrations changed since the industrial revolution?
All gases have increased
CO2 increased by 178ppm
SF6 entered for the first time
How have photosynthetic organisms affected the greenhouse effect?
Carbon capture
Respiration of oxygen
Moderates CO2 concentration
Restricts enhanced effect
