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  2. AP Environmental Science
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The Greenhouse Effect

Grace Taylor

Grace Taylor

7 min read

Next Topic - Increases in the Greenhouse Gases

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the greenhouse effect, including its natural function and how human activities enhance it. It details key greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, CFCs, H2O), their thermal retention properties and Global Warming Potential (GWP). It also examines natural and human-induced sources of these gases and provides practice questions covering these concepts.

#The Greenhouse Effect: Your Ultimate Study Guide ☀️

Hey there! Let's break down the greenhouse effect and make sure you're totally prepped for the AP exam. Think of this as your go-to guide for a quick, confident review. Let's dive in!

#What is the Greenhouse Effect?

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping our planet warm enough for life. It's like a cozy blanket for Earth!

Key Concept

It's crucial to understand that the greenhouse effect is a natural and necessary process. The problem arises when human activities enhance it too much.

#How it Works:

  1. The sun emits visible light and ultraviolet radiation.
  2. Earth's surface absorbs some of this energy and re-emits it as infrared radiation (heat).
  3. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap a portion of this infrared radiation.
  4. This trapped heat warms the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere.

Greenhouse Effect

Image: The greenhouse effect explained visually. Incoming solar radiation is partially absorbed and re-emitted as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases trap some of this heat, warming the planet.

#Greenhouse Gases and Thermal Retention 🔥

Not all gases are created equal! Some are better at trapping heat than others. This is called thermal retention property.

#Key Greenhouse Gases:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Methane (CH4)
  • Water vapor (H2O)
  • Nitrous oxide (N2O)
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Quick Fact

Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, but its short residence time means it doesn't significantly contribute to long-term climate change.

#Global Warming Potential (GWP) 🌎

GWP measures how much a gas contributes to global warming compared to CO2 over 100 years. CO2 has a GWP of 1. * CFCs: Highest GWP (ar...

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Previous Topic - Reducing Ozone DepletionNext Topic - Increases in the Greenhouse Gases

Question 1 of 12

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that is essential for life on Earth. Which of these best describes the main function of the greenhouse effect? 🤔

Cooling the Earth's atmosphere

Trapping heat and maintaining a warm temperature

Filtering out harmful solar radiation

Creating oxygen for breathing