The diagram below shows how the incoming solar radiation is balanced by the energy that leaves the atmosphere.Which of the following would most likely gradually increase average annual temperatures of the earth's surface? A. water vapor condensing to form clouds B. plants using carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis C. methane (CH4) being produced by decomposition in landfills D. pollution blocking sunlight from reaching the Earth's surface
Question
The diagram below shows how the incoming solar radiation is balanced by the energy that leaves the atmosphere.Which of the following would most likely gradually increase average annual temperatures of the earth's surface? A. water vapor condensing to form clouds B. plants using carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis C. methane (CH4) being produced by decomposition in landfills D. pollution blocking sunlight from reaching the Earth's surface
Solution
The answer is C. Methane (CH4) being produced by decomposition in landfills.
Here's why:
A. Water vapor condensing to form clouds: This process actually reflects sunlight back into space, which can cool the Earth's surface.
B. Plants using carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis: This process removes CO2 from the atmosphere, which can help to mitigate global warming.
C. Methane (CH4) being produced by decomposition in landfills: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, much more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO2. Therefore, an increase in methane production would likely lead to an increase in average annual temperatures.
D. Pollution blocking sunlight from reaching the Earth's surface: While this could potentially warm the Earth by creating a 'blanket' of pollution, it could also cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight back into space. The net effect is uncertain.
Similar Questions
What is the primary driver of the increase in the Earth's temperature?a.Deforestationb.Greenhouse effectc.Ozone depletiond.Solar radiation
The greenhouse effect:Question 1Select one:a.occurs when gases in the atmosphere direct the sun’s heat into the atmosphere.b.occurs when gases in the atmosphere reflect the sun’s heat back down to Earth’s surface.c.occurs when gases in the atmosphere direct extra heat out into the atmosphere.d.none of the above
The greenhouse effect refers to the tendency of greenhouse gases toGroup of answer choicesabsorb solar radiationabsorb terrestrial radiation
1. A gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere and its ocean is termed as ?
Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect?1 markThe trapping of heat by the Earth's atmosphereThe absorption of sunlight by the Earth's surfaceThe release of greenhouse gases from plantsThe reflection of solar radiation by the ozone layer
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.