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What you should know by the end of this lesson:
What you should know by the end of this lesson:
What the Global Heat Budget is
How the enhanced Greenhouse Effect is warming out planet
Global Heat Budget
Global Heat Budget
We get our energy from the Sun and we lose that heat to space.
We get our energy from the Sun and we lose that heat to space.
The amount of energy that reaches the Earth (solar insolation) and the amount of energy that escapes (as radiation) is exactly the same. However, between reaching the atmosphere and escaping back to space there is a large variation in what happens to the solar insolation. This is known as the Global Heat Budget
Digital Workbook and Paper Jotter
Draw and annotate the diagram
Be sure to include the figures and the headering
The Greenhouse Effect
The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect literally gets its name from Greenhouses.
These are used to raise the temperature to grow more exotic plants in colder climates.
This is natural & actually allows life to exist on our planet!
The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect is an increase in the amount of greenhouse gasses as a result of human activity, which results in unnatural temperature rise.
The Main Greenhouse Gasses
The Main Greenhouse Gasses
Carbon Dioxide - C02
Carbon Dioxide - C02
Produced by burning fossil fuels, a trace atmospheric gas but has risen by 43% since the 19th century
Nitrous Oxide - N2O
Nitrous Oxide - N2O
Produced by amateur rockets, racing cars (& normal cars) & whipped cream cannisters.
Methane - CH4
Methane - CH4
Produced by farm animlas, termites rubbish dumps and decomposing vegetation.
Chlorofluorocarbons - CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons - CFCs
Normally found in old Fridges and aerosols (now banned).
Replaced by HCFCs which do not damage the Ozone layer but still a potent greenhouse gas.
Digital Workbook and Paper Jotter
Ensure you have a note of the name of the main 4 greenhouse gasses above.
Copy the diagram below to show the difference between the Natural Greenhouse Effect and the Human Enhanced Greenhouse Effect.
GWP - Global Warming Potential
GWP - Global Warming Potential
Global Warming Potential (GWP) is the amount of heat a greenhouse gas will absorb compared to the same amount of CO2. Time frame is very important in this though, as some gasses can be really potent (have a high GWP) but disappear quickly. While some could be less potent over a short period but last for a very long time.
Well done you have finished lesson 3 of Global Climate Change.
Well done you have finished lesson 3 of Global Climate Change.
Return to the topic launch page and attempt the lesson quiz
Return to the topic launch page and attempt the lesson quiz
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