ATMOSPHERIC HEATING THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT SPI Analyze data to identify events associated with heat convection in the atmosphere. TN Standard GLE 0607.Inq.3: I CAN…Synthesize information to determine cause and effect relationships between evidence and explanations.

THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT and Life on Earth Think about it… How does a greenhouse stay warm?

HERE’S HOW A GREENHOUSE WORKS: Sunlight passes through the glass. Objects inside structure absorb some of the radiant energy. In turn, the objects radiate this energy as thermal energy. The glass prevents the thermal energy from escaping, which warms the greenhouse.

70% of the radiation that enters Earth’s atmosphere is absorbed by clouds and by the Earth’s surface. This energy is converted into thermal energy that warms the planet. Short-wave visible light is absorbed and reradiated into the atmosphere as long-wave thermal energy. So, why doesn’t this thermal energy escape back into space? The Greenhouse Effect works the same way in our atmosphere!

THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT It’s the process by which gases in the atmosphere, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, absorb thermal energy and radiate it back to Earth. It’s called the Greenhouse Effect because the gases function like the glass walls and roof of a greenhouse, which allow solar energy to enter but prevent thermal energy from escaping.

RADIATION BALANCE For Earth to remain livable, the amount of energy received from the sun and the amount of energy returned to space must be approximately equal. The balance between incoming energy and outgoing energy is known as the radiation balance.

GREENHOUSE GASES and GLOBAL WARMING Earth's average temperature has risen about 1 degree F in the past 100 years and is projected to rise another 3 to 10 degrees F in the next 100 years. An increase in average global temperatures is called global warming. Global warming is caused primarily by carbon dioxide from burning coal, oil and gas (known as fossil fuels).

CLIMATE CHANGE Certain gases that trap heat are building up in Earth's atmosphere. These are referred to as greenhouses gases. The primary culprit is carbon dioxide, released from burning coal, oil and natural gas in power plants, cars, factories, etc. (and to a lesser extent when forests are cleared). The second is methane, released from rice paddies (fields), both ends of cows, rotting garbage in landfills, mining operations, and gas pipelines. If global warming continues, global climate patterns could be disrupted, referred to as climate change.

For example, the rapid melting of sea ice is a main reason that animals in the Polar Regions are most affected by even slight warming. "We're seeing declines in every single species that we know uses sea ice as its habitat," University of Texas Associate Professor of Integrated Biology Camille Parmesan says. Plants and animals that are adapted to live in specific climates would be affected.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER WRITE 3-5 COMPLETE SENTENCES FOR EACH QUESTION 1) What is the relationship between the greenhouse effect and global warming? 2) Brainstorm THREE (or more) brilliant ideas you think would help to decrease greenhouse gases in the future.