What is the greenhouse effect?
When the Earth's atmosphere lets in radiation from the sun, it heats up Earth's surface. The atmosphere then absorbs this heat energy and re-emits it in all directions. One of the directions is back to the surface of the Earth. As a result, the temperature of Earth rises.
The atmosphere is able to do this because of the gases that are trapped in it. These gases include carbon dioxide. The more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the more effectively it retains heat,
What puts carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere in a variety of ways. There are both natural and made made sources of carbon dioxide.
Natural:
Is the greenhouse effect only man-made?
No. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps our planet from becoming too cold. However, humans have greatly increased the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and it has multiplied the the greenhouse effect. As a result, the natural cycle has been thrown off balance.
Methane Gas
Methane gas is one of the other "official" greenhouse gases, alongside carbon dioxide. It is produced from the burning of the fossil fuels- coal, gas, and oil. It traps heat energy in the atmosphere, resulting in the greenhouse effect. The other greenhouse gases include nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.
When the Earth's atmosphere lets in radiation from the sun, it heats up Earth's surface. The atmosphere then absorbs this heat energy and re-emits it in all directions. One of the directions is back to the surface of the Earth. As a result, the temperature of Earth rises.
The atmosphere is able to do this because of the gases that are trapped in it. These gases include carbon dioxide. The more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the more effectively it retains heat,
What puts carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere in a variety of ways. There are both natural and made made sources of carbon dioxide.
Natural:
- Decomposition
- Ocean release
- Respiration
- Forest Fires
- Volcanic Eruptions
- Rock Layers
- Burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, gas)
- Destruction of forests
- Industrial processes
- Power generation
- Transportation
- Agriculture
Is the greenhouse effect only man-made?
No. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps our planet from becoming too cold. However, humans have greatly increased the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and it has multiplied the the greenhouse effect. As a result, the natural cycle has been thrown off balance.
Methane Gas
Methane gas is one of the other "official" greenhouse gases, alongside carbon dioxide. It is produced from the burning of the fossil fuels- coal, gas, and oil. It traps heat energy in the atmosphere, resulting in the greenhouse effect. The other greenhouse gases include nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.