Greenhouse Effect and Thinning of the Ozone Layer

The Greenhouse Effect

Energy from the sun reaches the Earth through radiation. Some of this radiation is absorbed by the earth to warm the surfaces of sea and land. As the earth is warmed, heat in the form of infrared radiation is radiated back into space However much of this radiation is prevented from escaping into space by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) As a result the infrared radiation is radiated back to the earths surface, warming the Earth further. http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment /global-warming/gw-overview-interactive/

This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect. It is similar to a greenhouse used in farming in countries which experience temperate climates. The glass of a greenhouse allows light to enter but retards the loss of heat. The heat is used to keep the soil and air warm in the greenhouse. An increase in greenhouse gases is caused by human activities, mainly burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

Generally

Suns Rays warm the Earth Radiates heat Heat absorbed by greenhouse gases Temperature rises Greenhouse Effect

Effect of global warming

Melting of polar ice and glaciers causing a rise in sea level Floods in low-lying countries Change in wind directions and weather patterns Increase of droughts Decline in the yield of crops due to dry and infertile soil Spread of pests and disease-carrying vectors to new areas increases the outbreak of diseases Intense rains in some regions

Step to reduce global warming

Reduce the burning of fossil fuels Reduce deforestation Reduce or stop open burning Practice replanting of trees Develop other sources of energy such as solar, wind and geothermal energy

Thinning of the Ozone Layer

Ozone layer is present in the stratosphere which approximately 12 - 25 kilometers above the Earth;s surface. This ozone layer shields the earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. High concentrations of ozone (O3) in the ozone layer can absorb large quantities of ultraviolet radiation

Ozone, although a form of oxygen, once depleted will not be replenished naturally. The main cause ozone depletion is the increasing level of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the atmosphere. The use of CFCs as coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators, as propellants in aerosol cans, as solvent in the electronics industry and as foaming agents in the making of polystyrene boxes has released large amounts of CFCs into the atmosphere CFCs are unreactive and can remain unchanged for over 100 years UV radiation breaks down CFCs. Releasing chlorine radicals which destroy ozone in a chain reaction

Exposure to UV radiation effects

-

Human health Skin cancer or melanoma Eye damage such as cataract Lowering of bodys immune system Plants damage of leaf cells and chlorophyll, reducing photosynthesis Decrease in nutrient content and crop yields Killing phytoplanktons The Environment Increase in surrounding temperature Change in wind directions Climatic changes