Geocentric Science

The greenhouse effect contributes to global warming; however, the greenhouse effect is critical for life to exist on Earth. Today, there has been an increased greenhouse effect, which causes global climate to change, as well as other concerns and dangers.

Greenhouse Effect Animation

1. What is Earth’s energy balance?

   Answer: The energy balance is a way of showing what happens to the energy (insolation) emitted by the sun. The Sun emits radiation (energy). Some of the radiation is absorbed by Earth at the surface (land and water), some of the radiation is absorbed in the atmosphere, and some of the radiation is reflected back out into space (by the atmosphere - clouds - and by the surface).

2. What is the greenhouse effect and how does it cause global warming?

   Answer: The incoming energy has a short wavelength and is in the form of mostly visible light (as well as some ultra violet and infrared radiation). The energy from sun is absorbed by surface materials (such as plants, rocks, soil, water, etc.). This energy is transformed into heat, and is re-radiated by Earth as infrared radiation (which has a longer wavelength than visible light). Some of the infrared radiation escapes from Earth’s upper atmosphere into space. Some of the infrared radiation is trapped by compounds in the atmosphere. Some of the compounds that trap the radiation will re-radiate the energy back towards the surface, warming the Earth’s surface. The more compounds (or gases) in the atmosphere, the more radiation is trapped, the more radiation is re-radiated, and the more Earth is warmed.

3. What are some of the compounds that trap outgoing infrared radiation?

   Answer: Some of the compounds that trap outgoing radiation include:

   A. Carbon dioxide

   B. Methane

   C. Water vapor

   D. Trace anthropogenic (human caused) gases include:

   - Tropospheric ozone

   - Chlorofluorocarbons

   - Nitrous oxide

   - Methane

4. What are some of the human activities that have increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

   Answer:

   A. Burning of fossil fuels

   B. Deforestation - the burning of trees

   C. Factories

   D. Production of cement

   E. Agriculture

   F. Landfills

5. What are some of the problems associated with global warming or global climate change?

   Answer:

   A. Rising sea levels - islands and low elevation areas can become covered with water and there will be an increase of erosion to costal areas

   B. Increase in intensity and frequency of storm activity - ecosystems can be wiped out

   C. Regional changes in climate - arid land areas will become drier and other areas will become wetter

   D. Distribution of biomes will probably change - alpine tundra may be lost, and others will expand

   E. Rising temperatures will cause:

   - Polar ice caps will melt

   - Coral reefs will be bleached and destroyed

   - There will be more endangered species and some species will become extinct

6. What are some steps that I can take to reduce my impact on Earth?

   Answer:

   A. Become educated - the more you know, the better the decisions you will make

   - Visit the EPA website on how you can reduce your impact of global climate change

   B. Choose alternative transportation - walk, bike, and public transportation are good options - if you decide to drive, make sure that your car is tuned up

   C. Choose energy efficient appliances

   D. Replace old lightbulbs with energy efficient bulbs

   E. Consider alternative energy options

   F. Reduce your waste - turn off the lights when you leave the room and don’t leave the water running

   G. Bring reusable bags with you when you go shopping

   H. Use a reusable water bottle