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The Atmosphere (i) Name two major gases found in the atmosphere - Junior Cycle Geography - Question C - 2011
Question C
The Atmosphere (i) Name two major gases found in the atmosphere. (ii) Explain, with the aid of a diagram, how the greenhouse effect occurs. (iii) Name two ways in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The Atmosphere (i) Name two major gases found in the atmosphere - Junior Cycle Geography - Question C - 2011
Step 1
Step 2
Explain, with the aid of a diagram, how the greenhouse effect occurs.
Answer
The greenhouse effect occurs due to the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere that trap heat from the sun.
Diagram
A diagram should include the following elements:
- Sunlight reaching the Earth's surface.
- Heat radiating from the Earth's surface back towards space.
- Greenhouse gases (like CO₂, CH₄, and water vapor) trapping some of this heat, preventing it from escaping into space.
Explanation
- Solar radiation from the sun passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth's surface.
- The Earth then emits this heat as infrared radiation.
- Greenhouse gases absorb some of this infrared radiation, which warms the atmosphere and leads to an overall increase in temperature, known as the greenhouse effect.
Step 3
Name two ways in which the greenhouse effect can be reduced.
Answer
Two ways to reduce the greenhouse effect are:
- Reducing Fossil Fuel Use: Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power can decrease the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere.
- Improving Energy Efficiency: Implementing efficient technologies in homes, industries, and vehicles can minimize energy consumption and thereby lower greenhouse gas emissions.