the greenhouse effect

Question 1

why do we need greenhouse gases?

Answer 1

the greenhouse effect does as the name implies - it makes the earth much warmer so humans and other organisms can live on it. we need it to survive, it is not a ‘bad’ process.

Question 2

how does the greenhouse effect work?

Answer 2

• the sun radiates energy towards the earth
• in order to keep the earth warm. gases in the atmosphere absorb some of the infrared radiation, which keeps the energy in the atmosphere to warm it up
• however, humans have added more greenhouse gases so this effect is being enhanced

Question 3

what is the greenhouse effect causing?

Answer 3

global warming

Question 4

name the four types of greenhouse gases:

Answer 4

• carbon dioxide
• methane
• CFCs
• nitrous oxide

Question 5

what are the consequences of enhancing the greenhouse effect?

Answer 5

GLOBAL WARMING
—-> a form of climate change
- changes rainfall patterns
- extreme weather
- rising sea levels/flooding because of the polar ice caps
- habitat loss
- changes food webs

Question 6

CFCs explanation

Answer 6

• damages the ozone layer
• used to be used in aerosol sprays and fridges but most countries have banned them
• can still be found in old fridges
• they are powerful greenhouse gases

Question 7

methane explanation

Answer 7

• naturally produced eg by rotting plants
• HUMAN PRODUCTION FACTORS: rice production and cattle rearing

Question 8

nitrous oxide explanation

Answer 8

• released naturally by bacteria
• HUMAN PRODUCTION FACTORS: produced more heavily after the use of fertiliser, released in industry and from car engines

Question 9

carbon dioxide explanation
- if you struggle with this, recap the carbon cycle flashcard pack :)

Answer 9

HUMAN PRODUCTION FACTORS:
- burning fossil fuels
- car exhausts
- industry

also increases due to loss of trees - deforestation, usually to plant crops.