4.5 Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the role of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
Greenhouse gases trap heat by absorbing and emitting infrared radiation, helping to keep Earth’s temperatures suitable for life.
Which gases have the most significant warming effect, and how are they released?
Water vapor and carbon dioxide are primary contributors. Water vapor is released by evaporation and transpiration, while carbon dioxide comes from respiration, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation.
Why does temperature drop more rapidly at night in areas with clear skies?
Clouds, which contain water vapor, act as insulation, radiating heat back toward the surface and preventing rapid cooling.
What are the two main factors that determine a greenhouse gas’s warming impact?
The gas’s ability to absorb longwave radiation and its concentration in the atmosphere are key to its warming impact.
How does methane compare to carbon dioxide in terms of warming impact?
Methane has a stronger heat-trapping ability than carbon dioxide, but it’s less concentrated, so its overall warming impact is lower.
What human activities increase methane and nitrous oxide levels?
Methane is emitted from livestock, landfills, and fossil fuel extraction, while nitrous oxide comes from agriculture and vehicle emissions.
How long do greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere?
Water vapor stays about 9 days, methane around 12 years, and carbon dioxide for decades or longer.
What is the greenhouse effect, and why is it essential?
The greenhouse effect naturally traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere, maintaining moderate temperatures essential for life.
How has industrialization impacted atmospheric CO₂ levels?
Since the 1950s, industrialization has led to a rapid rise in CO₂ due to increased fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.
What is the link between CO₂ concentration and global temperatures?
Higher CO₂ levels strongly correlate with warmer global temperatures, suggesting a direct role in global warming.
How do oceans interact with atmospheric CO₂?
Oceans absorb about a third of human-produced CO₂, where it forms carbonic acid, leading to ocean acidification.
What effects does ocean acidification have on marine life?
Acidification reduces carbonate ions, making it harder for organisms like corals and mollusks to form shells, threatening their survival.
What are some observable indicators of climate change?
Indicators include rising global temperatures, melting ice, changing precipitation patterns, and sea level rise.
How does climate change increase disease spread?
Warmer temperatures create environments that favor pathogenic vectors, like mosquitoes, expanding their range.
What economic consequences might result from climate change?
Loss of coral reefs, for example, could reduce tourism and fishing revenues, potentially costing economies trillions by 2100.
Why is reducing greenhouse gas emissions crucial?
Lowering emissions can slow global warming, reducing its impact on ecosystems, economies, and human health.
What human activities could reduce CO₂ levels in the atmosphere?
Reforestation, reducing fossil fuel use, and increasing energy efficiency all contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.
