The Greenhouse Effect (lesson 4)

Question 1

The Energy of the Sun is important for life on
Earth – how/why is the energy important?

Answer 1

light for photosynthesis and plant growth

visibility and light

thermal energy and heat)

Question 2

When light/radiation comes into contact with an
object it may be:

Answer 2

transmitted

absorbed

reflected

Question 3

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

Answer 3

absorb infrared
radiation that is re-emitted by the surface of the
Earth.

Question 4

The trapped IR radiation is radiated in

Answer 4

all directions.
(Eventually it escapes to outer space)

Question 5

The Greenhouse Effect works like a

Answer 5

“Blanket” effect
The warming of the surface resulting from the
presence of an atmosphere

Question 6

Greenhouse Effect –

Answer 6

the energy-trapping process which keeps
global temperatures at a level to sustain
life.

Question 7

Examples of greenhouse gases

Answer 7

CO2

H20

CH4

N2O

Question 8

Visible light passes through the atmosphere, 70% of the

Question 9

Anthropogenic –

Answer 9

resulting from a human influence
Human contributions to the Greenhouse Effect
through premature release of greenhouse gases

Question 10

Examples of Anthropogenic

Answer 10

-deforestation
-CFC
-Oil and patrol engines
-burning fossil fuels

Question 11

Gases that are found in the atmosphere in very
low concentrations and cause the greenhouse
effect

Answer 11

Examples:

Carbon Dioxide

Water Vapour

Methane
Ozone

Nitrous Oxide (dinitrogen monoxide)

CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)

Question 12

CARBON SINK:

Answer 12

Natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores
carbon-containing chemical compounds for an indefinite
period.

Ex- trees, the ocean

Question 13

CARBON SOURCE:

Answer 13

Releases carbon dioxide into the environment

Ex- Burning fossil fuels (Transportation, Heating, etc.),
Deforestation

Question 14

Carbon dioxide causes

Answer 14

Just 0.04% of earth’s atmosphere

causes 25% of natural greenhouse effect

Question 15

Natural Sources of CO2:

Answer 15

volcanic activity

burning organic matter (forest fires)

cellular respiration

Question 16

Anthropogenic Sources of CO2:

Answer 16

Burning fossil fuels (Transportation, Heating, etc.)

Deforestation

Question 17

Water vapour causes

Answer 17

4% of Earth’s atmosphere

causes 67% of natural greenhouse effect

Question 18

Natural Sources of Water Vapour:

Answer 18

Remember the water cycle!

Clouds

Dissolved water (humidity)

Question 19

Anthropogenic Sources of Water Vapour:

Answer 19

Product of combustion of hydrocarbons.

Irrigation/farming

Question 20

Methane how many times

Answer 20

0.0002% of Earth’s atmosphere

23 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than
carbon dioxide

Question 21

Natural Sources of Methane:

Answer 21

plant decomposition in swamps

animal digestion

Question 22

Anthropogenic Sources of Methane:

Answer 22

Farming

Petroleum industry

Question 23

Ozone
Located in the upper atmosphere:

Answer 23

High concentrations protect Earth’s surface from
UV radiation from the sun.

Question 24

At ground level…

Answer 24

Acts as greenhouse gas

A component of smog (TOXIC)

Concentrations are hard to
estimate as they change rapidly

Question 25

what is the greenhouse effect and what are the sources of the natural and anthropogenic sources of the greenhouse effect?

Answer 25

NEE D TO KNOW THIS. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb infrared radiation that is re-emitted by the surface of the Earth. The trapped IR radiation is radiated in all directions. (Eventually it escapes to outer space) the energy-trapping process which keeps global temperatures at a level to sustain life. These heat-trapping gases can be thought of as a blanket wrapped around Earth, keeping the planet toastier than it would be without them. Natural sources of greenhouse gases is cellular respiration, irrigation/farming, and water cycle. Anthropogenic sources are CFCs, fossil fuel burning, and deforestation.

Question 26

Nitrous oxide times more effective

Answer 26

0.00003 % of Earth’s atmosphere 300 times more effective than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas

Question 27

Natural Sources of Nitrous Oxide:

Answer 27

Produced by bacteria

Question 28

Anthropogenic sources of Nitrous Oxide:

Answer 28

Livestock waste (urine, feces, carcasses) Nitrogen fertilizers Industrial processes