Greenhouse Earth

Greenhouse effect:1. sunlight streams through atmosphere & hits Earth.

2. Hot air rises- some air escapes to space

- some air is trapped by gases in the troposphere

Greenhouse Gases:

gases that trap & radiate

heat

water vaporCO2

chlorofluoro-carbons (CFCs)

Greenhouse Gasesmethanenitrous oxide

Greenhouse Gases

CO2

Which greenhouse gas is the

most important?

Why?Extra CO2 in the atmosphere traps

more heat.

This CO2 comes from:

1. burning fossil fuels

2. Deforestation (less plants left to absorb CO2)

Global Warmingavg. temp of Earth may increase by ~4° F by 2050.

Consequences1. more hurricanes, droughts, and floods

2. Weather patterns change

Consequences

3. Higher sea levels (some coasts under water)

Consequences

Slow down GH Effect

1. reduce use of fossil fuels

2. preserve forests, plant trees

Slow down GH Effect