topic 9 - chemistry of the atmosphere (2. greenhouse gases & climate change)

Question 1

what are greenhouse gases

Answer 1

carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour act like an insulating layer in the earth’s atmosphere. all particles absorb certain frequencies of radiation however green house gases do not. they absorb long wavelength radiation and get reflected back off the earth and then on the earth.

Question 2

what is long wavelength radiation

Answer 2

thermal radiation results in the warming of the earth’s surface.

Question 3

examples of human activity that affect greenhouse gases.

Answer 3

deforestation - fewer trees mean less co2 is removed from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
burning fossil fuels - co2 is released
in agriculture - more farm animals produce more methane

Question 4

what are the dangerous consequences of climate change

Answer 4

polar ice caps melt, causing a rise in sea levels and increasing flooding.
changes in rainfall patterns may cause some regions to get too much or too little water.
frequency and severity of storms
changes in temperature.