Earth Science The Greenhouse Effect

November 10, 2011

R. Alvarez

The Greenhouse Effect:

The greenhouse effect

is a process by which thermal radiation from a planetary surface is absorbed by atmospheric greenhouse gases, and is re-radiated in all directions. Since part of this re-radiation is back towards the surface, energy is transferred to the surface and the lower atmosphere.

Every object releases electromagnetic radiation!

Our eyes see visible waves. But all objects give off infrared waves as heat, we just can’t see them except with special lenses.

Animals and humans release infrared radiation.

Even non-living things like houses give off infrared radiation.

The Earth releases infrared heat too!

Radiant Energy (light) from the Sun has short wavelengths because the sun is hot.

Visible Waves

Radiant Energy (light) from the Sun has short wavelengths because the sun is hot.

The sun provides the most radiant energy than any other source.

Visible Waves

Radiant Energy released by Earth has longer wavelengths (infrared waves-heat).

Infrared Waves

Short Wavelength

Long Wavelength

1. Which of the following provides the most radiant energy for the world?

Sun, moon, nuclear energy, geothermal energy.

23. Which of the following has a shorter wavelength?

Radiation from the sun (visible light) or radiant Energy released by earth?.

Radiant Energy (light) from the Sun is absorbed, reflected, or re-radiated back to space.

What happens to incoming radiant energy as it travels through the atmosphere?

Radiant Energy (light) from the Sun is absorbed, reflected, or re-radiated back to space.

What happens to incoming radiant energy as it travels through the atmosphere?

24. What is the total percentage

of radiant solar energy reflected back clouds?

25. What is the total percentage

of radiant energy absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds?

26. What is the total percentage of radiant energy absorbed by the surface (land and water)?

2. If the earth absorbs more radiant energy than it reflects back into space, what is the effect.?

a. Temperature will decrease (cooler)b. Temperature will increase (warmer)c. No change

3. If the earth reflects more radiant energy than it absorbs, what is the effect.?

a. Temperature will decrease (cooler)b. Temperature will increase (warmer)c. No change

Greenhouse effect

The Greenhouse Effect:

The greenhouse effect

is a process by which thermal radiation from a planetary surface is absorbed by atmospheric greenhouse gases, and is re-radiated in all directions. Since part of this re-radiation is back towards the surface, energy is transferred to the surface and the lower atmosphere

OH H

C

H

H

H

H

N O

CO OCarbon Dioxide CO2

Water Vapor H2O

Nitrogen Oxide NO

Methane CH4

What are the most common Greenhouse gases?

OH H

C

H

H

H

H

N O

CO OCarbon Dioxide CO2

Water Vapor H2O

Nitrogen Oxide NO

Methane CH4

The greenhouse gases that absorb the most radiation are?

4. Which of the following would cause the most absorption of radiation, creating an increase in temperature?

a. methaneb. Nitrous oxidec. Water vapor and carbon dioxide

Radiant Energy released by Earth has longer wavelengths (infrared waves-heat). These are the

waves involved in the Greenhouse effect.

Infrared Waves

Short Wavelength

Long Wavelength

Visible light passes through from the sun but …

Infrared radiation emitted back by the earth is absorbed by the greenhouse gases.

OH H

OH H

N O C

H

H

H

H

C

H

H

H

HN OCO O

CO O

5. What type of radiation is involved in the absorbing of greenhouse gases in the greenhouse effect?

a. X-ray radiationb. Ultra violetc. Visible lightd. Infrared radiation

6. Which of the following would cause an increase in temperature?

a. Reflection of gasesb. Absorption of gases

7. Which of the following radiations is not involved in the absorption of greenhouse gases in the greenhouse effect?

a. X-ray radiationb. Gamma radiationc. Visible lightd. All of the above

Infrared Radiation is the one!!!