Question

Explain green house effect with reference to gases responsible for it and their sources.

Hint:

Imagine the atmosphere as a blanket. Greenhouse gases make the blanket thicker, trapping more heat and making the planet warmer than it would be otherwise.

Answer 1

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. Solar radiation reaches the atmosphere, and some is reflected back into space. The rest is absorbed by the land and oceans, heating the Earth. This heat is then radiated back from the Earth's surface as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere trap some of this outgoing heat, preventing it from escaping into space and thus keeping the Earth's average temperature stable and suitable for life. The primary greenhouse gases and their sources are:

Carbon Dioxide (CO\(_2\)): The main contributor to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Sources: Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for electricity and transportation, industrial processes like cement manufacturing, and deforestation (which reduces the absorption of CO\(_2\) by forests).

Methane (CH\(_4\)): A potent GHG, though less abundant than CO\(_2\).

Sources: Agricultural activities (livestock digestion, rice cultivation), decomposition of organic waste in landfills, and the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil.

Nitrous Oxide (N\(_2\)O): A long-lasting GHG.

Sources: Agricultural practices (use of nitrogen fertilizers), industrial processes, combustion of fossil fuels, and treatment of wastewater.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Synthetic compounds that are very effective at trapping heat.

Sources: Previously used in refrigerants, air conditioners, aerosol sprays, and cleaning solvents. Their use has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to their role in ozone depletion, but they persist in the atmosphere.

While the natural greenhouse effect is essential for life, human activities have significantly increased the concentration of these gases, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.