Q.Explain green house effect with reference to gases responsible for it and their sources.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation, warming the Earth; human activity has enhanced this natural effect.
The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which certain atmospheric gases allow incoming short-wave solar radiation to pass through and reach the Earth's surface, but absorb and re-radiate the outgoing long-wave (infrared/heat) radiation emitted by the warmed surface, thereby trapping heat within the atmosphere and keeping the Earth warm enough to support life. The main greenhouse gases and their key sources are: Carbon dioxide (CO2) — from burning of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes; it is the largest contributor by volume. Methane (CH4) — released from paddy (rice) fields, digestive processes of ruminant livestock, decomposition of organic waste in landfills, and leakage during fossil-fuel extraction. Nitrous oxide (N2O) — from the use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture, and combustion of fossil fuels. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) — synthetic industrial gases formerly widely used in refrigerants, air-conditioners and aerosol propellants, which are both potent greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances. Water vapour and tropospheric ozone also contribute to the natural greenhouse effect. While the greenhouse effect itself is essential and natural, the sharp increase in concentrations of these gases due to human industrial, agricultural and transport ac …
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