THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

Sunlight energy in the atmosphere © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

The layers of the atmosphere The troposphere is the atmospheric part of the biosphere The stratosphere contains the ozone layer The stratosphere is also a zone of warm air that keeps a lid on the troposphere. The troposphere does not mix with the upper atmosphere © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

The Greenhouse Effect © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

The Greenhouse Effect The molecules of some gases in the atmosphere absorb heat energy and retain it This can be a good thing Without an atmosphere the Earth would have same temperature as the moon Moon mean surface temperature = -46°C Moon temperature range = -233°C to +123°C © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

The Greenhouse Gases H2O vapour CO2 CH4 NOx CFC © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

Infrared Absorption Spectra © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

The Greenhouse Gases Water vapour in the atmosphere is stable The atmosphere is saturated CO2 levels are currently rising They have varied in the past Methane levels are increasing: as more cattle are farmed, as more paddy fields are planted, as permafrost melts NOx levels increase due to increased circulation of motor vehicles. © 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS