Unit 2: Global Change

Question 1

Greenhouse gas effect

Answer 1

UV radiation that is absorbed by the surface and converted to IR radiation (heat) is trapped by greenhouse gases that create a warmer temperature.
It is how the Earth maintains a habitable temperature

Question 2

Ultraviolet radiation

Answer 2

sunlight, solar radiation

Question 3

Infrared radiation

Answer 3

heat, the UV radiation is converted to IR radiation

Question 4

Carbon dioxide

Answer 4

CO2
natural sources consist of: cellular respiration, volcano eruptions, forest fires, decomposition of organic matter
anthropogenic sources consist of: burning fossil fuels, deforestation.

Question 5

Methane gas

Answer 5

CH4
natural sources consist of: wetlands, decomposition of organic matter without oxygen, termite mounds
anthropogenic sources: livestock (cows, sheep), agriculture practices (irrigation that causes low oxygen environment) , leaks form natural gas/oil wells, landfill/organic matter breaks down in an anoxic environment

Question 6

Nitrous oxide

Answer 6

N2O
natural sources consist of: denitrification in wet, low oxygen soils(in a flooded field that doesn’t allow oxygen to enter), natural combustion
anthropogenic sources: agricultural practices (poor nutrients low oxygen in the soil + water management , fertilizer), combustion of fossil fuels

Question 7

Chlorofluorocarbons

Answer 7

CFC
no natural sources
anthropogenic sources: synthesized compounds used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and spray cans

Question 8

Water vapor

Answer 8

H2O

<1 potential of absorbing heat, humidity