The Greenhouse effect

• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It is the warming of Earth's atmosphere.
• How does the greenhouse effect relate to radiation?

  It involves short and long wavelength radiation.
• What are the main greenhouse gases?

  Water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.
• What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen?

  About 78% of the atmosphere.
• What percentage of the atmosphere is oxygen?

  About 21% of the atmosphere.
• What is the approximate percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

  About 0.04% of the atmosphere.
• How does the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere change?

  It varies depending on the temperature.
• What happens to short wavelength radiation from the Sun?

  Most passes through the atmosphere; some reflects back.
• Why does short wavelength radiation pass easily through the atmosphere?

  It does not interact strongly with gas molecules.
• What happens to energy when it reaches the Earth's surface?

  It is absorbed and radiated as long wavelength radiation.
• What type of radiation does the Earth emit after absorbing energy?

  Long wavelength radiation, such as infrared.
• How do greenhouse gases affect long wavelength radiation?

  They absorb and trap the energy in the atmosphere.
• What is the result of energy being trapped by greenhouse gases?

  The temperature of the atmosphere increases.
• Why is the greenhouse effect important for life on Earth?

  It keeps the temperature warm enough to support life.
• What would happen without the greenhouse effect?

  The Earth would be too cold for most organisms.
• What are the key components of the greenhouse effect process?

  • Short wavelength radiation from the Sun
  • Absorption by Earth's surface
  • Emission as long wavelength radiation
  • Absorption by greenhouse gases
  • Trapping of heat in the atmosphere
• What are the main greenhouse gases and their roles?

  • Water vapor: variable amount, contributes to warming
  • Carbon dioxide: stable, significant greenhouse gas
  • Methane: potent greenhouse gas, smaller amounts
• What are the effects of human activity on greenhouse gas levels?

  • Increased carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels
  • Increased methane from agriculture and waste
  • Overall impact on climate change and global warming