Earths Resources - Atmosphere

Question 1

natural greenhouse effect

Answer 1

the process by which radiation reflected from the earths surface is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere and prevented from escaping into space, thus keeping the earth warmer than it would otherwise be.

Question 2

enhanced greenhouse effect

Answer 2

the enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect through man-made emissions of greenhouse gases, trapping increasing quantities of heat

Question 3

composition of the atmosphere

Answer 3

• nitrogen, N (78%)
• oxygen, O (21%)
• argon, Ar (0.9%)
• other gases (0.1%) include: carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and neon