THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

6.E.2A.2

What is a green house?

•A greenhouse is made of glass. It traps the Sun's energy inside and keeps the plants warm, even in winter

How is Earth a greenhouse?

•Greenhouse effect of Earth's atmosphere keeps some of the Sun's energy from escaping back into space at night.

What are greenhouse gases?

•Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb and retain the energy that is given off from land and ocean surfaces.

•Examples: include water vapor, methane, ozone, and carbon dioxide.

So, what is the greenhouse effect?•The greenhouse effect is a warming of Earth's surface and the air above it. •The greenhouse effect is caused by greenhouse gases.

*Greenhouse gases benefit humans by maintaining a

stable, moderate temperature.

Greenhouse Gas Benefits

Is this a problem??• if the greenhouse effect is too strong, Earth gets warmer and warmer.

•This is what is happening now.

•Too much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the air are making the greenhouse effect stronger.

Greenhouse Gas Harms• A substantial increase in

greenhouse gases could harm human life.

What will happen next?

•The composition of the Earth’s atmosphere has changed over Earth’s history, particularly the amount of ozone in the stratosphere. •Scientists have found that there are natural events and human caused events that are causing an increase in greenhouse gases.

Natural Events •Volcanic eruptions release ashes, which contain harmful chemicals and large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. •Plant and animal respiration•Smoke and carbon monoxide from wildfires

Human Caused Events •Burning fossil fuels•Use of aerosol sprays•Deforestation (cutting and burning of forests)•Motor vehicles generate carbon dioxide emissions•Waste deposition in landfills•Smoke stacks of power plants

Change over time

• http://astroventure.arc.nasa.gov/teachers/pdf/AV-Atmoslesson-3.pdf

• http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/warming4.htm

• http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/basics/today/greenhouse-effect.html