Greenhouse Gases

What human-caused sources produce greenhouse gases?

Burning fossil fuels, land use changes, and livestock digestion and manure.

What two things determine the effect a greenhouse gas has on the environment?

How strong and how abundant the greenhouse gas is.

The small amount of water near the ground is known as...

Humidity

What are particulates?

Particulates are particles in the air that help cool the greenhouse gases that contribute to the warming of our planet.

How are particulates emitted naturally into the air?

Particulates can be emitted into the air by volcanic eruption, when there's a dust storm, or a forest fire. Particulates can even be placed into the air when an ocean wave crashes onto shore.

How do particulates keep heat away from the earth?

Particulates reflect solar energy away from the planet.

Where is the so called "good ozone" in the atmosphere, and why is it considered "good"?

The "good ozone" in the atmosphere is located in the stratosphere. It is considered "good ozone" because it acts as a protective layer from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

What is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the Earth's atmosphere?

The Earth's most abundant greenhouse gas is water vapor, or H2O.

How are particulates emitted by human-made sources?

Vehicles add particulates as they burn fossil fuels and put toxic chemicals into the air.

What is the main source of naturally-occurring greenhouse gases?

Volcanic eruption

What are the 6 most abundant greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Water vapor, carbon dioxide, atmospheric methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and chlorofluorocarbons.