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Chapter 9: Problem 20

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
The greenhouse effect maintains Earth's warmer temperature, supports ecosystems, and benefits human agriculture.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warmer than it would otherwise be. These gases, known as greenhouse gases, include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.
02

Natural Temperature Regulation

The greenhouse effect helps to maintain an average surface temperature of about 15°C (59°F), which is essential for supporting liquid water and various life forms.
03

Supporting Ecosystems

A stable, warmer climate thanks to the greenhouse effect supports diverse ecosystems and enables the growth of plants, which form the base of food chains.
04

Human Benefits

Humans rely on the greenhouse effect for agriculture, as it allows for suitable growing conditions. Additionally, it helps to reduce temperature extremes, making Earth a more comfortable place to live.

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Key Concepts

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

atmospheric science
The study of atmospheric science focuses on understanding the layers, composition, and dynamics of Earth's atmosphere. This field is essential for explaining how various atmospheric processes influence weather, climate, and overall environmental conditions. The greenhouse effect is a key topic in atmospheric science. It plays a critical role in maintaining Earth's energy balance.
Without this natural phenomenon, our planet would be too cold to sustain life.
By examining atmospheric science, we can better predict weather patterns, understand climate changes, and develop strategies to counteract negative impacts.
greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases are crucial components of the Earth's atmosphere. They trap heat through the greenhouse effect, keeping the planet warm enough for life to thrive. Key greenhouse gases include:
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released through natural processes like respiration and human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
  • Methane (CH4): Produced by agricultural practices, waste management, and natural processes like wetlands.
  • Water Vapor (H2O): The most abundant greenhouse gas, contributing to the natural greenhouse effect and influenced by evaporation and condensation cycles.
    • These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere but prevent some heat from escaping back into space.
    This trapped heat regulates the Earth's temperature and supports the development and maintenance of diverse ecosystems.
terrestrial ecosystems
Terrestrial ecosystems are land-based environments where various organisms interact with each other and their surroundings to form a complex web of life.
The stability provided by the greenhouse effect is vital for the health of these ecosystems. It allows plants to grow, which in turn supports herbivores and predators. Key components of terrestrial ecosystems include:
  • Plants: Primary producers that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
  • Animals: Herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores that depend on plants and other animals for food.
  • Soil: A habitat for many organisms and a medium for plant growth.
    • The greenhouse effect ensures a stable climate, allowing these ecosystems to function properly and support a wide range of biodiversity, including humans.
climate regulation
Climate regulation refers to the mechanisms and processes that control and stabilize Earth's climate.
The greenhouse effect is a fundamental aspect of climate regulation. By trapping heat, it keeps the planet's temperature within a range that supports life as we know it. Important aspects of climate regulation include:
  • Cycling of Greenhouse Gases: Natural processes like photosynthesis and respiration help maintain balanced levels of greenhouse gases.
  • Heat Distribution: Ocean currents and atmospheric circulation distribute heat around the planet, influencing climate patterns.
  • Human Influence: Activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels impact climate regulation, contributing to global warming.
    • The greenhouse effect's ability to regulate climate is beneficial, promoting stable conditions essential for life and helping to minimize extreme weather events.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The ozone layer protects life on Earth from a. high-energy particles from the solar wind. b. micrometeorites. c. ultraviolet radiation. d. charged particles trapped in Earth's magnetic field.

Less massive molecules tend to escape from an atmosphere more often than more massive molecules because a. the gravitational force on them is less. b. they are moving faster. c. they are more buoyant. d. they are smaller and so experience fewer collisions on their way out.

Oxygen molecules \(\left(\mathrm{O}_{2}\right)\) are 16 times as massive as hydrogen molecules \(\left(\mathrm{H}_{2}\right)\). Carbon dioxide molecules \(\left(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\right)\) are 22 times as massive as \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\) a. Compare the average speed of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) molecules in a volume of air. b. Does this ratio of the speeds in part (a) depend on air temperature?

Global warming appears to be responsible for increased melting of the ice in Earth's polar regions. a. Why does the melting of Arctic ice, which floats on the surface of the Arctic Ocean, not affect the level of the oceans? b. How is the melting of glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica affecting the level of the oceans?

Mars movies: a. Watch a science fiction film about people going to Mars. How does the film handle the science? Can people breathe the atmosphere? Are the low surface gravity and atmospheric pressure correctly portrayed? Do the astronauts have access to water? b. 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 Earthlike, 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?
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