Global warming English.pptVIP

Global Warming Structure of the Atmosphere Thermosphere Mesosphere Ozone Maximum Stratosphere Troposphere Temperature /Courses/earth002/0402G_M.htm How does energy input to the earth surface vary across the globe? This Class - The Green House Effect and Global Warming How is energy distributed to the earth’s surface? What are greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect? Impact of an increase in atmospheric CO2 on greenhouse effect Recent changes in greenhouse gas concentrations Relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming The “Greenhouse Effect” The Earth’s surface thus receives energy from two sources: the sun the atmosphere As a result the Earth’s surface is ~33°C warmer than it would be without an atmosphere Greenhouse gases are transparent to shortwave but absorb longwave radiation Thus the atmosphere stores energy Electromagnetic Spectrum incoming outgoing 1. Shorter, high Energy wavelengths Hit the earths Surface 2. Incoming energy Is converted to heat 3. Longer, infrared Wavelengths hit Greenhouse gas Molecules in the atmosphere 4. Greenhouse gas Molecules in the Atmosphere emit Infrared radiation Back towards earth 78% nitrogen 20.6% oxygen 1% argon 0.4% water vapor 0.036% carbon dioxide traces gases: Ne, He, Kr, H, O3 Methane, Nitrous Oxide Absorption Spectra of Atmospheric Gases Anthes, p. 55 CH4 CO2 N2O H2O O2 O3 atmosphere WAVELENGTH (micrometers) Infrared Visible UV Selected Greenhouse Gases Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Source: Fossil fuel burning, deforestation Anthropogenic increase: 30% Average atmospheric residence time: 500 years Methane (CH4) Source: Rice cultivation, cattle sheep ranching, decay from landfills, mining Anthropogenic increase: 145% Average atmospheric residence time: 7-10 years Nitrous oxide (N2O) Source: Industry and agriculture (fertilizers) Anthropogenic increase: 15% Average atmospheric residence time: 140-190 years Summary Greenhouse gases absorb infrared