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The Greenhouse Effect |
Global Warming
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What is the greenhouse effect? The greenhouse effect is what
happens when the atmospheric gases, principally carbon dioxide, trap and retain heat that is emitted
my the sun. The greenhouse effect is a necessary phenomenon for without these gases, nighttime would
be too cold (approx. -24º), and daytime would be too hot. The green house effect works the same way
as the glass panes of a green house. The rays from the sun pass through the atmosphere, of which some
are absorbed by the earth and others are rejected back into space. |
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| If the greenhouse effect is a good thing, why are we nervous?
We benefit from the greenhouse effect only when the quantity of greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide,
ozone, CFC, and carbon dioxide) are at an acceptable level. When the sun's rays are absorbed by the earth,
the ground emits heat to the atmosphere in the form of infrared radiation, which is absorbed by the carbon
dioxide, which then heats the atmosphere. When we heat the atmosphere, we heat the earth, therefore when we
raise the quantity of greenhouse gases, more infrared radiation gets absorbed by the atmosphere and the global
temperature is raised.
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What are the repercussions of global warming?
A raise in the sea level:Global warming could melt large quantities of ice which would raise
the sea level. This could cause the flooding of large cities located on the edges of large bodies of
water. This would be horrible as the majority of major cities are located at sea level.
Plants: Plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and to breath, therefore, if there is a
raise in the quantity of carbon dioxide, there will be a surplus of weeds. The weeds would in turn
diminish the production of corn and millet. The raised temperature would cause problems in the
production of rice, wheat and potatoes.
Agricultural Zones: It is estimated that there will be a large production of certain weeds
and an increase in the number of certain insects, such as flies and mosquitoes.
More: More forest fires, illnesses, pests, icebergs, and humidity.
Less: A loss in hydroelectricity and a shorter ski season.
What causes a raise in the quantity of greenhouse gases?
Fossil fuels constitute the highest danger towards the raise of the quantity of greenhouse gasses.
Examples would be; gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, propane and butane.
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