Greenhouse effect

• What is the analogy used to describe the greenhouse effect?

  Like a blanket around the Earth
• How does the Greenhouse Effect differ from the reflection of solar radiation by the Earth and atmosphere?

  The Greenhouse Effect involves the absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by greenhouse gas molecules, which warms the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere, while the reflection of solar radiation by the Earth and atmosphere does not directly contribute to warming.
• What type of radiation does the Earth's surface emit after absorbing solar radiation?

  Infrared radiation
• How does the greenhouse effect work in a car?

  Heat is trapped by tinted windows
• How does the Greenhouse Effect impact the Earth's temperature?

  • Most of the solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface and warms it
  • Some of the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface passes through the atmosphere
  • Greenhouse gas molecules absorb and re-emit this infrared radiation in all directions
  • This traps heat near the Earth's surface, warming the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere
• What is shown as a 'net source' of methane in the image?

  Wetlands
• According to the image, what is 'other natural' a source of?

  Methane
• Why are oceans considered a sink for CO₂?

  They absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere
• What is identified as a 'net sink' of methane in the image?

  Chemical reactions
• What is the role of greenhouse gases in the greenhouse effect?

  They trap Earth's heat through a specific cycle
• What is the consequence of increased greenhouse gases?

  It leads to global warming
• What is the role of fossil fuel production and use regarding methane, according to the image?

  Net source
• In the image, what category does 'waste' fall into regarding methane production?

  Net source
• If the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, how would this affect the Greenhouse Effect?

  An increase in greenhouse gas concentration would lead to more absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation, resulting in greater warming of the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.
• How does biomass burning contribute to greenhouse gases?

  It releases methane into the atmosphere
• What is the chemical formula for methane?


  CH₄
• How do increased greenhouse gas levels affect infrared radiation?

  They trap more infrared radiation.
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It traps heat in Earth's atmosphere
• What are the two most important greenhouse gases?

  Methane and CO₂
• How is the effect of greenhouse gases on temperature similar to tinted windows in a car?

  Both trap heat, making it hotter inside.
• What is the significance of wetlands in methane production?

  Wetlands are a key source of methane
• What happens to some of the heat after greenhouse gases absorb it?

  Some heat is lost to space
• What are the key methane sources illustrated in the image?

  • Agriculture
  • Oceans exchange
  • Rice fields
  • Fossil fuel production & use
  • Waste
  • Wetlands
  • Biomass burning
  • Other natural sources
• In what way does agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?

  Agriculture produces methane from livestock
• Why is the relationship between greenhouse gas levels and global warming important?

  It is crucial to understanding climate change.
• Which of the following is shown as a 'net source' of methane?

  Ocean exchange
• Which agricultural practices contribute to increased methane emissions?

  Livestock raising and rice cultivation
• How does deforestation impact greenhouse gas emissions?

  It reduces plants that absorb CO₂
• What are the main human activities that impact greenhouse gas emissions?

  • Burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation
  • Deforestation reducing CO₂ absorption
  • Agriculture increasing methane emissions
  • Industrial processes releasing CO₂ and SF₆
• What is the relationship between chemical reactions and CO₂?

  Chemical reactions can act as a sink for CO₂
• What are the primary sources of CO₂?

  • Chemical reactions (sink)
  • Fossil fuel use
  • Oceans (source/sink)
• What happens to greenhouse gas levels as they increase?

  They thicken the Earth's "blanket."
• What is the impact of waste on methane emissions?

  Waste contributes significantly to methane emissions
• How does biomass burning affect greenhouse gas levels?

  It increases methane emissions
• What is the cycle of heat absorption and emission involving greenhouse gases?

  1. Earth's surface absorbs solar radiation
  2. Emits infrared radiation (heat)
  3. Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation
  4. Re-emit it in all directions
  5. Some heat is lost to space, but much remains trapped
• What is the primary way human activities increase greenhouse gas emissions?

  Through burning fossil fuels
• According to the image, what are the depicted methane sources and sinks?

  Various environmental and industrial processes
• What are the effects of global warming?

  It leads to climate change
• How do oceans function in relation to CO₂?

  Oceans act as both a source and sink
• What is a major source of CO₂ emissions from human activities?

  Fossil fuel use