0 votes
31 views
ago in Environmental Chemistry by (550 points)
How does the concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere affect the global temperature? Provide specific examples of greenhouse gases and their contribution to global warming.

1 Answer

0 votes
ago by (90 points)
The concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere has a significant impact on global temperature. Greenhouse gases are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which is the process by which the Earth's atmosphere traps heat and warms the planet. This is a natural process that is essential for maintaining the Earth's temperature at a level suitable for life. However, human activities have led to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, which has resulted in an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide  CO2 , methane  CH4 , nitrous oxide  N2O , and fluorinated gases. These gases absorb and emit infrared radiation, which is the primary mechanism by which the greenhouse effect occurs. Here are specific examples of greenhouse gases and their contribution to global warming:1. Carbon dioxide  CO2 : CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for about 76% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels  coal, oil, and natural gas , deforestation, and other industrial processes. The increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has led to a rise in global temperatures, as it effectively traps heat and prevents it from escaping into space.2. Methane  CH4 : Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas, contributing to about 16% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is released during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices, and the decay of organic waste in landfills. Methane is more effective at trapping heat than CO2, but it has a shorter lifetime in the atmosphere.3. Nitrous oxide  N2O : Nitrous oxide accounts for about 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is released from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as from the burning of fossil fuels. N2O is approximately 300 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2, but it is present in much lower concentrations in the atmosphere.4. Fluorinated gases: These are synthetic gases, including hydrofluorocarbons  HFCs , perfluorocarbons  PFCs , and sulfur hexafluoride  SF6 , which are released from various industrial processes. Although they are present in relatively small amounts, they are potent greenhouse gases, with some being thousands of times more effective at trapping heat than CO2. They contribute to about 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions.In summary, the concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere has a direct impact on global temperature. The increased levels of these gases, primarily due to human activities, have led to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming. The major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, each contributing differently to the overall warming effect. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Welcome to Sarvan Science Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...