Greenhouse effect

• What is the Greenhouse Effect?

  The Greenhouse Effect is not a bumper crop.
• How does human activity affect the composition of air?

  Human activity increases the composition of air.
• What has happened to the human population over the last 150 years?

  The human population has increased rapidly.
• What does an increasing population mean for energy needs?

  More energy is needed for various activities.
• How do lifestyle changes relate to energy consumption?

  Lifestyles are changing to require more energy.
• What is a consequence of more people needing energy?

  Increased energy consumption occurs.
• What is the primary source of increased energy consumption?

  Burning fossil fuels releases more CO₂.
• What is the CO₂ concentration trend over the last 300 years?

  CO₂ levels have risen significantly.
• How does the Greenhouse Effect help keep the Earth warm?

  • The Sun emits shortwave radiation.
  • This radiation passes through the atmosphere.
  • It is absorbed by the Earth's surface.
  • The Earth re-emits longwave radiation.
  • Greenhouse gases trap some of this radiation.
• What type of radiation does the Sun emit?

  The Sun emits shortwave radiation.
• What happens to radiation as it passes through the atmosphere?

  It passes through to the Earth's surface.
• What is the role of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

  They trap longwave radiation emitted by Earth.
• What natural event also produces CO₂?

  Volcanoes erupt and produce CO₂.
• What do the graphs show about CO₂ levels?

  CO₂ levels have risen over the last 300 years.
• What are the main effects of the Greenhouse Effect on Earth?

  • Keeps the Earth warm
  • Affects climate patterns
  • Influences weather systems
  • Impacts ecosystems and biodiversity
• What is the main consequence of the Greenhouse Effect?

  It helps to keep the Earth warm.
• How does the Earth's surface interact with solar radiation?

  The Earth's surface absorbs solar radiation.
• What happens to longwave radiation emitted by the Earth?

  It is absorbed by greenhouse gases.
• What is the effect of greenhouse gases on thermal radiation?

  They are very good at absorbing thermal radiation.
• What is the significance of the Earth's surface absorbing radiation?

  It warms the Earth and affects climate.
• What is the relationship between CO₂ and the Greenhouse Effect?

  CO₂ is a greenhouse gas.
• How does the Greenhouse Effect relate to climate change?

  It contributes to global warming and climate change.
• What are the implications of increased CO₂ levels for the environment?

  They lead to climate change and ecosystem disruption.
• What effect helps to keep the Earth warm?

  Greenhouse effect
• How does the Sun contribute to the greenhouse effect?

  It emits short wavelength electromagnetic radiation
• What happens to the radiation emitted by the Sun?

  It passes through the atmosphere to Earth's surface
• What absorbs the radiation at Earth's surface?

  Earth's surface absorbs the radiation
• What type of radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases?

  Infrared radiation
• What happens to some of the infrared radiation?

  It is re-emitted back towards Earth
• What is the relationship between longer wavelength radiation and absorption?

  Longer wavelengths are absorbed longer by Earth
• Why is infrared radiation significant in the greenhouse effect?

  It is thermal radiation that warms the Earth
• What is the result of greenhouse gases absorbing and re-emitting radiation?

  It keeps the Earth warm
• What is the term for the effect of greenhouse gases on Earth's temperature?

  Greenhouse effect
• What happens if the concentration of greenhouse gases increases?

  It enhances the greenhouse effect
• What is the consequence of more heat being absorbed by the atmosphere?

  Less heat is re-emitted back into space
• What does the enhanced greenhouse effect lead to?

  Increased warming of the Earth's atmosphere
• How does the greenhouse effect relate to climate change?

  It contributes to global warming trends
• What is the impact of the greenhouse effect on weather patterns?

  It can alter weather patterns globally
• What is a common misconception about the greenhouse effect?

  It is always harmful to the environment
• How do human activities influence the greenhouse effect?

  They increase greenhouse gas emissions