Environment The earth’s annual mean temperature increased approximately 1.4 degrees Celsius from 1866 to This has been named Global Warming caused by the Greenhouse Effect.

Greenhouse Effect Carbon Dioxide trapped within the atmosphere is causing the heat from the Sun to remain within the atmosphere, which slowly warms the earth causing what is known as the Greenhouse Effect.

Carbon The earth’s total amount of carbon is neither gained or lost, but merely moved around. The earth’s total amount of carbon is neither gained or lost, but merely moved around. Plants use carbon in their everyday life. Plants use carbon in their everyday life. Carbon is stored in growing and dead plant material. Carbon is stored in growing and dead plant material.

Carbon in Oil Carbon is also stored in oil deep below the earth’s crust. When this oil is brought to the surface and burned, a large portion of carbon moves into the atmosphere. Carbon is also stored in oil deep below the earth’s crust. When this oil is brought to the surface and burned, a large portion of carbon moves into the atmosphere. Excess carbon in the atmosphere is believed to be a contributing factor in the “greenhouse effect” theory and the “global warming” theory. Excess carbon in the atmosphere is believed to be a contributing factor in the “greenhouse effect” theory and the “global warming” theory.

Carbon Cycle The carbon cycle describes the general movement of carbon. The carbon cycle describes the general movement of carbon. Carbon is moved from one area to another: Carbon is moved from one area to another: –From underground to the atmosphere by use –Into plants by respiration –Back into the air by use or decay of the plant –Between atmosphere and water by osmosis –In and out of animals by consumption and digestion

Carbon Cycle CarbonCarbon CycleCycle

Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) Measuring CO 2 in the atmosphere is one way to check carbon movement. Measuring CO 2 in the atmosphere is one way to check carbon movement. The amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere is increasing. The amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere is increasing. The release of CO 2 in the atmosphere has been associated with the depletion of the ozone layer. The release of CO 2 in the atmosphere has been associated with the depletion of the ozone layer.

Ethanol Combustion Ethanol combustion does not result in high levels of CO 2 because the gas that is released is offset by the gas that is consumed by plants grown for ethanol production. Ethanol combustion does not result in high levels of CO 2 because the gas that is released is offset by the gas that is consumed by plants grown for ethanol production.

Carbon Dioxide Levels CO 2 levels in Hawaii and Northern Canada (Alert, NWT) are significantly higher than pre-industrial levels and are continuing to rise.

Biomass Carbon Cycle Experts suggest that the greenhouse effect could be lessened by using biomass-based energy. While growing, plants consume carbon in the form of CO 2. This carbon is then released in the form of CO 2 when plant material is used as a source of energy.

References Global Warming Information Page Global Warming Information Page United National Environmental Program United National Environmental Program CRC Greenhouse Accounting CRC Greenhouse Accounting Total Ozone Mapping Spectometer d.html Total Ozone Mapping Spectometer d.html Environmental Canda Environmental Canda Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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