The Green House Effect ISCI 2001

(1). The fate of solar radiation – 26% reflected back into space 20% clouds; 6% by atmosphere – 19% absorbed by clouds, ozone gas (O 3 ) – 55% reaches surface 4% reflected at surface; 51% absorbed by surface (1). The fate of solar radiation – 26% reflected back into space 20% clouds; 6% by atmosphere – 19% absorbed by clouds, ozone gas (O 3 ) – 55% reaches surface 4% reflected at surface; 51% absorbed by surface

(1). Short-wave radiation from Sun – As it hits the surface converted into sensible heat Heats ground and lower atmosphere (2). Surface Radiation (infrared radiation) – Directed back into space as long-wave radiation – 90% absorbed by ‘ greenhouse ’ gases CO 2 (main GH gas); O 3 ; water vapor; methane; N 2 O (3). Gases are ‘ warmed ’ and heat Earth’s atmosphere (1). Short-wave radiation from Sun – As it hits the surface converted into sensible heat Heats ground and lower atmosphere (2). Surface Radiation (infrared radiation) – Directed back into space as long-wave radiation – 90% absorbed by ‘ greenhouse ’ gases CO 2 (main GH gas); O 3 ; water vapor; methane; N 2 O (3). Gases are ‘ warmed ’ and heat Earth’s atmosphere

(1). Gases absorb (trap) heat to warm up our atmosphere Absorbing longwave radiation from the surface (2). Without GH Effect Ave. Global Temp = -15 C With GH = 15 C (1). Gases absorb (trap) heat to warm up our atmosphere Absorbing longwave radiation from the surface (2). Without GH Effect Ave. Global Temp = -15 C With GH = 15 C

(1). Carbon dioxide – Fossil fuels; deforestation; organic decay; forest fires (2). Ozone – Sunlight chemically reacts with O 2 (natural) – Photochemical smog production (3). Methane – Wetlands; biomass burning; termites; organic decay (4). Chlorofluorocarbons – Refrigerants; aerosol spray propellants; cleaning solvents (5). Nitrous Oxide – Fertilizers; burning of fossil fuels; forests; grasslands (1). Carbon dioxide – Fossil fuels; deforestation; organic decay; forest fires (2). Ozone – Sunlight chemically reacts with O 2 (natural) – Photochemical smog production (3). Methane – Wetlands; biomass burning; termites; organic decay (4). Chlorofluorocarbons – Refrigerants; aerosol spray propellants; cleaning solvents (5). Nitrous Oxide – Fertilizers; burning of fossil fuels; forests; grasslands

(1). Rising levels – 1700’s (280 ppm)  2005 (380 ppm) (2). Causes of increased CO 2 – Fossil fuel combustion (65% of increase) – Deforestation/ Natural habitats to agricultural areas Natural ecosystem hold times more CO 2 (1). Rising levels – 1700’s (280 ppm)  2005 (380 ppm) (2). Causes of increased CO 2 – Fossil fuel combustion (65% of increase) – Deforestation/ Natural habitats to agricultural areas Natural ecosystem hold times more CO 2

(1). Methane (CH 4 ) – 150% increase in levels since 1750 – See sources (2). CFC’s destroy Ozone – Freon; Sprays – Damage near the poles – UV light (1). Methane (CH 4 ) – 150% increase in levels since 1750 – See sources (2). CFC’s destroy Ozone – Freon; Sprays – Damage near the poles – UV light

(1). Temperature and Clouds – As GH gases increase, temperature increases – Causes more cloud formations – Clouds reflect more energy into space – Reduce the amount of energy absorbed and retained in the atmosphere (2). Counters the GH effect? (1). Temperature and Clouds – As GH gases increase, temperature increases – Causes more cloud formations – Clouds reflect more energy into space – Reduce the amount of energy absorbed and retained in the atmosphere (2). Counters the GH effect?

(1). National Academy of Science – Increase of 1 F in 20 th century (2). Recent Data (National Geographic) – 1.4 F increase since 1880 – Last (2) decades hottest in 400 years – Arctic temperatures risen 2x average – Glacier Ntl. Park 27 glaciers 150 in 1910 (1). National Academy of Science – Increase of 1 F in 20 th century (2). Recent Data (National Geographic) – 1.4 F increase since 1880 – Last (2) decades hottest in 400 years – Arctic temperatures risen 2x average – Glacier Ntl. Park 27 glaciers 150 in 1910

(1) scientist/130 countries – Industry, deforestation, increased greenhouse gases and pollution – Combustion and carbon dioxide (2). Natural climatic cycles? (1) scientist/130 countries – Industry, deforestation, increased greenhouse gases and pollution – Combustion and carbon dioxide (2). Natural climatic cycles?