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Chapter 9: Problem 31

In what way is the atmospheric greenhouse effect beneficial to terrestrial life?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The atmospheric greenhouse effect maintains Earth's temperature, supports ecosystems, and enables agriculture.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Greenhouse Effect

The atmospheric greenhouse effect involves greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trapping heat from the sun. This warming process keeps Earth's surface temperature at an average level that supports life.
02

Exploring Heat Retention

Without the greenhouse effect, Earth's surface would lose heat too quickly after sunset, leading to extremely cold temperatures at night. This temperature regulation helps maintain a stable environment.
03

Ecosystem Support

A stable climate is crucial for ecosystems to thrive. Plants, animals, and humans depend on consistent temperatures and weather patterns to survive and function effectively.
04

Supporting Water Cycle and Habitats

The greenhouse effect maintains the delicate balance of the water cycle. Oceans, rivers, and lakes remain liquid, and habitats necessary for life are preserved.
05

Enabling Agriculture

A regulated climate creates suitable conditions for agriculture. Crops require specific temperatures to grow, and the greenhouse effect helps ensure that those conditions are met.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Heat Retention
The atmospheric greenhouse effect plays a vital role in retaining heat on Earth's surface. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, absorb and trap heat from the sun. This trapped heat keeps the planet warm, particularly during the night. Without the greenhouse effect, the immediate loss of heat after sunset would lead to extremely cold temperatures. This consistent retention of heat ensures a stable environment, which is essential for all living organisms.
Ecosystem Support
Ecosystems rely heavily on stable climatic conditions. The atmospheric greenhouse effect helps maintain this stability by regulating temperatures.
  • Plants need consistent temperatures for processes like photosynthesis.
  • Animals depend on stable climates for their migration and breeding patterns.
  • Even humans need a predictable environment to plan activities.
Without the greenhouse effect, weather patterns would be erratic, making survival difficult for many species. A balanced greenhouse effect assures that ecosystems thrive, supporting biodiversity and overall health of the Earth.
Water Cycle Regulation
The greenhouse effect is a key component in regulating the water cycle. Stable temperatures ensure that water bodies like oceans, rivers, and lakes remain in their liquid state. This balance supports life by:
  • Ensuring a steady supply of fresh water through evaporation and precipitation cycles.
  • Preserving aquatic habitats essential for marine and freshwater species.
  • Helping maintain soil moisture that is crucial for plant growth.
Without this regulation, water bodies could freeze or evaporate irregularly, disrupting the water cycle and putting life at risk.
Agriculture Support
Agriculture benefits immensely from the greenhouse effect. Crops require specific temperature ranges to germinate, grow, and yield produce efficiently. The consistent warming provided by the greenhouse effect ensures:
  • Longer growing seasons suitable for various crops.
  • Better soil conditions thanks to stable temperatures.
  • Reduced risk of frost damage.
In essence, this regulation aids in maximizing crop productivity, ensuring food security, and supporting the livelihood of farmers worldwide.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The atmosphere of Mars is often pink-orange because a. it is dominated by carbon dioxide. b. the Sun is at a low angle in the sky. c. Mars has no oceans to reflect blue light to the sky. d. winds lift dust into the atmosphere.

What are the likely sources of Earth's water?

At the end of the film Total Recall\((1990\) ), Arnold Schwarzenegger's character presses an alien button, the martian volcanoes start spewing, and within a few minutes the martian sky is blue, the atmospheric pressure is Earth-like, and the atmosphere is totally breathable. (Probably you can find the scene online.) What, scientifically, is wrong with this scene? That is, why would volcanic gases not quickly create a breathable atmosphere on Mars?

What is the difference between ozone in the stratosphere and ozone in the troposphere? Which is a pollutant, and which protects terrestrial life?

In what ways does plant life affect the composition of Earth's atmosphere?
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