Temperature and Carbon Dioxide Concentration.

Greenhouse EffectConstant temperature:

incoming solar energy = outgoing solar energy

Greenhouse gases found in the troposphere absorb some of the infrared radiation (heat) radiated by the earth’s surface.

Gas molecules vibrate more heat

Greenhouse GasesTABLE 4a: Anthropogenic (man-made) Contribution to the "Greenhouse

Effect," expressed as % of Total (water vapor INCLUDED) Based on concentrations (ppb) adjusted for heat retention characteristics % of

Greenhouse Effect% Natural% Man-made 

Based on concentrations (ppb) adjusted for heat

retention characteristics

 % of Greenhouse

Effect % Natural

% Man-made

Water vapor 95.000%  94.999% 0.001% 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) 3.618%  3.502% 0.117% 

Methane (CH4) 0.360%  0.294% 0.066% 

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) 0.950%  0.903% 0.047% 

Misc. gases ( CFC's, etc.) 0.072%  0.025% 0.047% 

Total 100.00%   99.72 0.28% 

Water VaporMost abundant natural

greenhouse gas (95% of total).

Contributes to heating of the ocean surface and the lower atmosphere.

Higher temps = more evaporation = rising of water vapor = more warming.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Present naturally (0.037% of total).Slight increase in last few centuries to

previous levels: helps growth of plant life and extends growing season and range for food crops

Deforestation (Fewer forests) = less absorption of CO2 (plants cannot live without CO2).

Methane (CH4)More effective (30x)

absorber of long wave radiation than CO2.

SourcesLandfillsAgriculture: intestines of

cattle and sheepWetlands, swamps, bogsCoal mines and natural

gas

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)Agriculture Source

• Consequence of anaerobic dentrification processes

• Fertilizing landIndustrial source:

High temperature combustion of fossil fuels.

CFC’s and other Halocarbons

Concerns: Live long and contribute to warming and

greenhouse effect Also deplete ozone Absorb 10,000 times more radiation than

CO2 Sources:

Foam Cleaners Aerosol sprays Coolants for refrigeration and air

conditioningSolution: CFC’s phased out and virtually

eliminated globally as of 2010. Ozone “hole” is natural seasonal cycle and returned to “normal” now that CFC’s have been eliminated.

global conveyor belt

2010 New Scientist Report: Islands growing not sinking as originally predicted (Professor Paul Kench, of Auckland University's environment school – see article 6.1.3b2 in student lab manual)

Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

1. Use renewable energy sources:

Wind powerSolar powerGeothermal

energy

2. Replanting Forests.

3. Recycling and reuse.

4. transportation• Carpool & HOV

lanes (High Occupancy Vehicles)

• Use Mass transit• High-mileage

standards

• Increased deaths from heat and disease

• Disruption of food and water supplies

• Spread of tropical diseases to temperate areas

• Increased respiratory disease and pollen allergies

• Increased water pollution from coastal flooding

Human Health

• Rising sea levels• Flooding of low-lying

islands and coastal cities• Flooding of coastal

estuaries, wetlands, and coral reefs

• Beach erosion• Disruption of coastal

fisheries• Contamination of coastal

aquifers with salt water

Sea Level and Coastal Areas

• Changes in forest composition and locations

• Disappearance of some forests

• Increased fires from drying

• Loss of wildlife habitat and species

Forests

• Changes in water supply

• Decreased water quality

• Increased drought

• Increased flooding

Water Resources

• Shifts in food-growing areas

• Changes in crop yields

• Increased irrigation demands

• Increased pests, crop diseases, and weeds in warmer areas

Agriculture

• Extinction of some plant and animal species

• Loss of habitats• Disruption of aquatic

life

Biodiversity

• Prolonged heat waves and droughts

• Increased flooding from more frequent, intense, and heavy rainfall in some areas

Weather Extremes

• Increased deaths• More environmental

refugees• Increased migration

Human Population

Action CO2 ReductionDrive fuel-efficientcar, walk, bike, car pool, and use mass transit Use energy-efficient windows Use energy-efficient refrigerator Insulate wallsand ceilings Reduce garbageby recyclingand reuse Caulk andweatherstripwindows and doors Insulate hot waterheater Use compactfluorescent bulbs

Set water heaterat no higher than (120° F)

Wash laundry inwarm or cold water Use low-flowshower head

9 kg (20 lbs)per gallon ofgasoline saved Up to 4,500 kg(10,000 lbs) per year Up to 1,400 kg(3,000 lbs) per year Up to 900 kg(2,000 lbs) per year 450 kg (1,000 lbs)for 25% lessgarbage per year

Up to 450 kg(1,000 lbs) per year Up to 450 kg(1,000 lbs) per year 230 kg (500 lbs)per year per bulb

230 kg (500 lbs)for each 6° C(10° F) reduction

Up to 230 kg(500 lbs) per yearfor 2 loads a week Up to 140 kg(300 lbs) per year