VIEW: Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2,), water vapor (H2O), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), nitrous oxides (NO and NO2), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). All are a normal part of the atmosphere (in small amounts) except CFCs.
| Greenhouse Gas | Where It Comes From |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide | Respiration, volcanic eruptions, decomposition of plant material; burning of fossil fuels |
| Methane | Decomposition of plant material under some conditions, biochemical reactions in stomachs |
| Nitrous oxide | Produced by bacteria |
| Ozone | Atmospheric processes |
| Chlorofluorocarbons | Not naturally occurring; made by humans |
What do you think happens as atmospheric greenhouse gas levels increase? More greenhouse gases trap more heat and warm the atmosphere. The increase or decrease of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere affect climate and weather the world over.
Source: Greenhouse Effect. Retrieved from http://www.ck12.org/book/CK-12-Earth-Science-Concepts-For-High-School/r16/section/9.14/ on August 26, 2013.
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