Unit 4: Greenhouses Gasses

Question 1

Greenhouse effect

Answer 1

Absorption of infrared radiation and reradiation of that energy back to Earth by atmospheric gasses.

Question 2

Greenhouse gasses

Answer 2

Gasses in the atmosphere that absorb infrared radiation.

Question 3

Water vapor is a greenhouse gas but doesn’t contribute significantly to climate change, why?

Answer 3

It absorbs more infrared radiation than any other greenhouse gas, but it does not last long.

Question 4

Importance of the greenhouse effect

Answer 4

Maintains earth’s surface temperature, would be much colder without it.

Question 5

Natural sources of greenhouse gasses

Answer 5

Decomposition, denitrification, digestion, evapotranspiration, and volcanic eruptions.

Question 6

Anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gasses

Answer 6

Burning fossil fuels, agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial production.

Question 7

Highest GWP gasses to lowest.

Answer 7

CFCs, nitrous oxide, methate, CO2.