What causes the greenhouse effect. Causes of the greenhouse effect

Speaking of greenhouse effect, immediately a large greenhouse appears, gentle rays of the sun penetrating through the glass, bright green beds and a fairly high temperature inside, when winter still rules outside

Speaking of the greenhouse effect, one immediately imagines a large greenhouse, gentle rays of the sun penetrating through the glass, bright green beds and a fairly high temperature inside when winter still rules outside. Yes, this is true, this process can be most clearly compared with what happens in a greenhouse. Only in the role of glass are greenhouse gases, which are abundant in the atmosphere, they pass and retain heat in the lower air layers, ensuring the growth of plants and human life. Today, more and more often, the greenhouse effect is called an environmental term that has become a disaster. Thus, nature is crying out for help, and if nothing is done, humanity will have only 300 years before the inevitable end of the world. It is important to understand that the greenhouse effect has always existed on Earth, without it the normal existence of living organisms and plants is impossible, and we owe a comfortable climate to it. The problem is that harmful human activity has taken on such proportions that they can no longer pass without a trace, affecting global, irreversible changes in the environment. And in order to survive, the population of our Planet needs the same global solidarity in resolving this serious issue.

The essence of the greenhouse effect, its causes and consequences

The vital activity of mankind, the burning of millions of tons of fuel, increased energy consumption, an increase in the vehicle fleet, a significant increase in the amount of waste, production volumes, and so on, leads to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. Statistics show that over the past two hundred years there has been a 25% increase in carbon dioxide in the air, which has never happened before in the entire geological history. Thus, a kind of gas cap forms over the Earth, which delays the return of thermal radiation, returning it back and leading to climatic imbalance. As the average temperature at the Earth's surface rises, so does the amount of precipitation. Remember that condensate always appears on the glass in a greenhouse or greenhouse, in nature this happens in a similar way. It is impossible to accurately calculate all the disastrous consequences of this, but one thing is clear, the person started dangerous game with nature, we urgently need to change our minds in order to prevent an ecological catastrophe.

The reasons that exacerbate the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere include:
- economic activity that changes the gas composition and causes dust in the lower air layers of the Earth;
- combustion of carbonaceous fuels, coal, oil and gas;
- exhaust gases of automobile engines;
- operation of thermal power plants;
- agriculture associated with excessive rotting and an excess of fertilizers, a significant increase in livestock;
- extraction of natural resources;
- Disposal of household and industrial waste;
- deforestation.

Surprisingly, the fact that the air is no longer renewable natural resource, which remained until the beginning of intensive human activity.

Consequences of the greenhouse effect

The most dangerous consequence of the greenhouse effect is considered to be global warming, which leads to a violation of the heat balance on the planet as a whole. Already today, each of us has experienced an average increase in temperature on ourselves, phenomenal heat in the summer months and sudden thaws in the middle of winter, this is a frightening phenomenon as a result of global atmospheric pollution. And droughts, acid rains, dry winds, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters have become a terrible norm of life these days. The data of scientists testify to far from consoling forecasts, every year the temperature rises by almost one degree, or even more. In this regard, tropical downpours are intensifying, the boundaries of arid territories and deserts are growing, rapid melting of glaciers begins, permafrost areas disappear and the taiga territories are significantly reduced. And this means that crops will drop sharply, inhabited areas will be flooded with water, many animals will not be able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, the level of the World Ocean will rise and the overall water-salt balance will change. Scary, but the current generation may be witnessing the fastest warming on Planet Earth. But, as world practice shows, for some parts of the world, global warming has a positive effect, making it possible to develop agriculture and cattle breeding, this insignificant benefit is lost against the background of a massive negative impact. Debate is raging around the greenhouse effect, research and testing are being carried out, people are looking for ways to reduce its destructive influence.

Modern ways to solve the problem

There is only one way out of this situation: to find the new kind fuel, or radically change the technology of using existing varieties fuel resources. Coal and oil, when burned, release 60% more carbon dioxide, an active greenhouse gas, than any other fuel to produce a unit of energy.

What you need to do to escape the threat of the greenhouse effect:
- reduce consumption of fossil fuels, especially coal, oil and natural gas;
- use special filters and catalysts to remove carbon dioxide from all emissions into the atmosphere;
- increase the energy efficiency of thermal power plants through the use of hidden environmentally friendly reserves;
- increase the use of alternative energy sources, wind, sun and so on;
- stop cutting down green spaces and establish purposeful planting of greenery;
- stop the global pollution of the planet.

There is an active discussion of such measures to reduce anthropogenic impact, as the regular removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, by using high-tech devices, to liquefy and inject it into the waters of the oceans, thereby approaching natural circulation. There are ways to solve the problem, the main thing is to take it all together, the population, the government and the younger generation, and carry out a huge, but so useful, work to cleanse Mother Earth. It's time to stop the consumer attitude and start investing time and energy in our future, the bright life of the next generations, it's time to give nature what we regularly take from it. There is no doubt that ingenious and enterprising humanity will cope with this very complex and responsible task.

the greenhouse effect- the ability (of gases in the atmosphere) to transmit solar radiation to the Earth's surface to a greater extent compared to the thermal radiation emitted by the Earth heated by the Sun. As a result, the temperature of the Earth's surface and the surface layer of air is higher than it would be in the absence of the greenhouse effect. The average temperature of the Earth's surface is plus 15°C, and without the greenhouse effect it would be minus 18°! The greenhouse effect is one of the life support mechanisms on Earth.

Human activities over the past 200 years, and especially since 1950, have led to a continuing increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at the present time. The inevitable reaction of the atmosphere that follows is an anthropogenic increase in the natural greenhouse effect. Total anthropogenic enhancement of the greenhouse effect +2.45 watt/m2 (International Committee on Climate Change IPCC).

The greenhouse effect of each of these gases depends on three main factors:

a) the expected greenhouse effect over the next decades or centuries (for example, 20, 100 or 500 years) caused by a single volume of gas already released into the atmosphere, compared with the effect of carbon dioxide taken as a unit;

b) its typical duration in the atmosphere, and

c) volume of gas emission.

The combination of the first two factors is called “Relative greenhouse potential” and is expressed in units of CO2 potential.

Greenhouse gases:

Role water vapor, contained in the atmosphere, in the global greenhouse effect is large, but it is difficult to determine unambiguously. As the climate warms, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere will increase, thereby enhancing the greenhouse effect.

D carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide (CO2) (64% in the greenhouse effect), different according to

compared to other greenhouse gases, a relatively low greenhouse effect potential, but a rather long lifetime in the atmosphere - 50-200 years and a relatively high concentration. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere between 1000 and 1800 was 270-290 parts per million by volume (ppmv), and by 1994 it reached 358 ppmv and continues to grow. May reach 500 ppmv by the end of the 21st century. Concentration stabilization can be achieved by significantly reducing emissions. The main source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for energy production.

Sources of CO2

(1) Emissions to the atmosphere due to combustion of fossil fuels and cement production 5.5±0.5

(2) Air release due to landscape transformation in tropical and equatorial zones, soil degradation 1.6±1.0

Absorption by various reservoirs

(3) Accumulation in the atmosphere 3.3±0.2

(4) Accumulation by the World Ocean 2.0±0.8

(5) Accumulation in the biomass of the Northern Hemisphere 0.5±0.5

(6) Residual member of the balance sheet, explained by CO2 uptake by land ecosystems (fertilization, etc.) = (1+2)-(3+4+5)=1.3±1.5

Increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere should stimulate the process of photosynthesis. This is the so-called fertilization, due to which, according to some estimates, the production of organic matter can increase by 20–40% at twice the current concentration of carbon dioxide.

Methane (CH4) - 19% of its total greenhouse gas value (as of 1995). Methane is formed in anaerobic conditions such as natural swamps different type, the thickness of seasonal and permafrost, rice plantations, landfills, as well as as a result of the vital activity of ruminants and termites. Estimates show that about 20% of total methane emissions are associated with fossil fuel technologies (fuel combustion, emissions from coal mines, extraction and distribution of natural gas).

gas, oil refining). In total, anthropogenic activity provides 60–80% of the total methane emission into the atmosphere. Methane is unstable in the atmosphere. It is removed from it due to interaction with the hydroxyl ion (OH) in the troposphere. Despite this process, the concentration of methane in the atmosphere has approximately doubled compared to pre-industrial times and continues to grow at a rate of about 0.8% per year.

An increase in temperature and an increase in humidity (that is, the duration of the territory under anaerobic conditions) further enhance methane emissions. This character-

positive example feedback. Conversely, a decrease in the level ground water due to low humidity should lead to a decrease in methane emissions (negative feedback).

current role nitric oxide (N2O) in the total greenhouse effect is only about 6%. The concentration of nitric oxide in the atmosphere is also increasing. It is assumed that its anthropogenic sources are approximately half the natural ones. Sources of anthropogenic nitric oxide are agriculture (particularly tropical grasslands), biomass burning, and nitrogen-containing industry. Its relative greenhouse potential (290 times

above the potential of carbon dioxide) and the typical lifetime in the atmosphere (120 years) are significant, offsetting its low concentration.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)- These are substances synthesized by man, and containing chlorine, fluorine and bromine. They have a very strong relative greenhouse potential and a significant lifetime in the atmosphere. Their final role in the greenhouse effect is 7%. The production of chlorofluorocarbons in the world is currently controlled by international agreements on the protection of the ozone layer, including the provision for a gradual reduction in the production of these substances, their replacement with less ozone-depleting ones, with its subsequent complete cessation. As a result, the concentration of CFCs in the atmosphere began to decrease.

Ozone (O3) is an important greenhouse gas found both in the stratosphere and in the troposphere. It affects both shortwave and longwave radiation, and therefore the final direction and magnitude of its contribution to the radiation balance to a large extent depend on the vertical distribution of ozone, especially at the tropopause level. Estimates indicate a positive resultant of +0.4 watt/m2.

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If we consider the actual problems of mankind, we can conclude that the most global of them is the greenhouse effect. It is already making itself felt and greatly changing environmental conditions, but its exact consequences are unknown, although it is clear that they may be irreparable.

To save humanity, you should find out the essence of the greenhouse effect and try to stop it.

What it is

The essence of the greenhouse effect is similar to the principle of operation of greenhouses, which is well known to all gardeners and gardeners. It lies in the fact that a certain greenhouse is formed above the planet, which, having transparency, freely passes the sun's rays through itself. They fall on the earth's surface, warm it up. Heat normally must pass through the atmosphere, and its lower layers over the past few decades have become so dense that they have lost their capacity. Thus, heat transfer is disturbed, which leads to the launch of the greenhouse effect mechanism.

The definition of the greenhouse effect is approximately as follows: an increase in temperature in the lower atmospheric layers compared to effective indicators characterizing the thermal radiation of the Earth, which is observed from space. In other words, it is much warmer on the surface of the planet than outside of its atmosphere. And since the layers are very dense, they do not allow heat to pass through, and it, under the influence of low cosmic temperatures, provokes the formation of condensate. A simplified diagram of the mechanism is shown below.

For the first time, Joseph Fourier took up the study of the greenhouse effect in the 19th century, who suggested that earth atmosphere changes greatly and in its properties begins to resemble glass in greenhouses, that is, it transmits the sun's rays, but prevents the reverse penetration of heat. Because of this, the so-called are synthesized, which consist of carbon, water vapor, ozone and methane.

The basis is steam, which provokes the formation of condensate. An equally important role in the greenhouse effect is played by carbon dioxide, the volume of which has recently increased to 20-26%. The shares of ozone and methane in the atmosphere are 3-7% each, but they also take part in the processes of the greenhouse effect.

Causes

Planet Earth has already gone through the greenhouse effect and global warming, and, probably, without such phenomena, humanity and all living things would not be able to develop and live normally. Many centuries ago, the processes started due to the high activity of numerous volcanoes, the eruption products of which fell into the atmosphere. But as vegetation spread on the planet, the level of gases decreased, and the situation stabilized.

V modern world The greenhouse effect is due to the following reasons:

• Active and uncontrolled use of various minerals extracted from the bowels of the Earth, which have combustible properties. Mankind strives to use all the gifts of the planet, but does so extremely thoughtlessly and rudely: in the process of burning and burning in environment a huge amount of various decay products polluting the atmosphere, as well as carbon dioxide, are emitted daily.
• Active deforestation throughout the Earth, which has recently become simply huge. Trees are felled mainly for fuel use, but land is sometimes cleared for construction. Either way, the reduction green plants changes the composition of the air. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. And the less vegetation on the planet, the higher the concentration of substances that thicken the atmosphere and enhance the greenhouse effect.
• A huge number of vehicles running on gasoline. During its operation, they are produced and immediately enter the air. They rush up, penetrate into the lower atmospheric layers and make them even denser, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
• The development of the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere contributes to the rapid growth of the population. Each person, inhaling oxygen, exhales carbon dioxide, and, as you know, it is the main development of the greenhouse effect.
• Forest fires, which are increasingly occurring due to weather changes and human negligence, are also exacerbating the greenhouse effect. A huge number of trees are burned every year, which means that incredible amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the air and atmosphere.
• Numerous landfills that have filled the surface of the Earth, in the process of decay of waste, emit methane and other harmful substances, heavily polluting the lower atmospheric layers.
• The rapid pace of industrial development. Various processing plants and other industrial companies emit a huge amount of exhaust and vapors that enter the atmosphere almost immediately and provoke a greenhouse effect.
• The introduction of chemical and synthetic substances into all spheres of life. They are found in fertilizers, containers, clothing, food and other products of modern production. Some compounds do not decompose and emit vapors that rush into the atmosphere.

Possible consequences

It is not enough to know what the greenhouse effect is in order to understand how dangerous it is. And in order to assess the globality and seriousness of the problem, one should consider the consequences that threaten the planet and all living things. They may be as follows:

1. Air pollution and thickening of its layers contribute to global warming. For a long time, scientists involved in the study of climatic conditions have noticed an increase in average annual temperatures by several degrees. And such changes can upset the overall balance, lead to heat and drought in some southern regions.
2. Due to the greenhouse effect and the warming caused by it, active is taking place. The water level in the oceans is growing rapidly, coastal areas may be completely flooded after a few decades. And if we take into account that various crops are grown in these territories, then huge damage will be done to agriculture, and this, in turn, can provoke an acute shortage of food.
3. Due to rising water levels in the world's oceans, many coastal cities may be flooded, and in the future even entire countries. As a result, people will simply have nowhere to live. Moreover, a real threat is already looming over some regions.
4. Under the influence of the high temperatures caused by the greenhouse effect, moisture evaporates much faster, and this has the most direct detrimental effect on the Earth's vegetation. Reducing its volume will exacerbate problems and worsen the composition of the air. As a result, centuries later, a moment may come when there will be simply nothing to breathe on the planet.
5. Heat is a threat to the health of many people, especially those suffering from cardiovascular and endocrine diseases. It is not without reason that in the summer period, mortality throughout the Earth increases markedly.
6. Due to the greenhouse effect and the serious climatic changes caused by it, not only the flora of the planet, but also the fauna, that is, the animal world, can suffer. Some of its representatives are already considered endangered, including due to.
7. Humanity is already experiencing the power of natural anomalies: heavy rainfall, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, tornadoes, earthquakes and other phenomena that threaten people's lives.

How to avoid serious consequences

The problem of the greenhouse effect on Earth is very relevant, so many scientists are actively developing and thinking through solutions.

1. First, energy consumption should be completely reconsidered. It is desirable to abandon combustible natural fossils and solid fuel materials by switching to natural gas or alternative and still insufficiently developed natural sources, such as sun, water, wind.
2. Secondly, the greenhouse effect and its influence on the planet Earth will weaken if humanity pursues a policy of saving and saving energy. To do this, you can, for example, fully insulate houses and use construction and Decoration Materials holding heat. Also, in manufacturing and industrial enterprises, equipment should be installed that will reduce energy consumption.
3. Thirdly, one of the ways to combat the greenhouse effect can be the re-equipment of the transport system. It is not necessary to give up cars, but you can buy those that work without exhaust gases settling in the lower layers of the atmosphere, for example, on solar panels or electricity. The development of alternative sources is underway, but its results are not yet known.
4. Fourthly, it is necessary to restore forests on Earth, stop their cutting down, and plant new trees. And if every inhabitant of the planet makes a contribution, then this will already significantly affect the overall situation. In addition, it is worth reconsidering the cultivation of various crops, namely, abandoning chemical fertilizers and spraying poisons that pollute the atmosphere and enhance the greenhouse effect.
5. Fifth, we need to optimize the waste recycling system so as not to pollute the atmosphere and the planet. Industrial plants should have treatment facilities minimizing emissions. The waste itself must be fully disposed of or recycled and used as secondary raw materials. In addition, in order to reduce the number of landfills, completely degradable and harmless materials should be used in production.

Now the essence of the greenhouse effect and its influence on the atmosphere is clear to you, and you know why the planet is in danger. It is very difficult to eliminate such a phenomenon, but if all of humanity reconsiders its attitude towards the Earth and begins to act, then serious consequences can be avoided.

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And global warming are related concepts familiar to everyone today. Consider what is the greenhouse effect, the causes and consequences of this phenomenon.

This is a global problem of mankind, the reduction of the consequences of which should be dealt with by each person. The phenomenon implies an increase in temperature observed in the lower layers of the atmosphere. The consequences are quite impressive, but the main thing is the appearance of greenhouse gases in excess volumes in the atmosphere. All this led to the fact that there were real prerequisites for the emergence of global warming.

Greenhouse gases: how they work

It is not always clear why the greenhouse effect is dangerous. The first to single out the principles of this phenomenon and explain them is Joseph Fourier, who tried to understand the features of climate formation. The scientist also considered the factors that can change the climate of the world and even the heat balance in general. Joseph found that they are active participants in the process, preventing the passage of infrared rays. Based on the degree of exposure, the following types of gases can be distinguished:

• methane
• carbon dioxide
• water vapor

Water vapor is responsible for increasing moisture in the toposphere, so it is considered the main gas, providing the maximum contribution to temperature growth. The increase in the greenhouse effect is explained by nitrogen oxide and freons. The remaining gases are present in the atmosphere in small concentrations, due to which their influence is insignificant.

Clear Causes of Global Warming

Global warming and the greenhouse effect are interrelated concepts. The greenhouse or greenhouse effect and its impact is represented by short-wave radiation from the Sun penetrating into the Earth's atmosphere due to the fact that it contains carbon dioxide. As a result, the thermal radiation of the Earth, called long-wavelength, is delayed. Ordered actions will cause prolonged heating of the atmosphere.

The phenomenon is based on an increase in the global temperature of the Earth, contributing to a change in the heat balance. This process is the result of the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which cause the consequences of the greenhouse effect.

The causes of the greenhouse effect are quite diverse. What is the main one? These are industrial gases. In other words, human activities have negative results, leading to climate change. Such activity is:

• use of residual fuel
• transport emissions
• Forest fires
• functioning of various enterprises

The greenhouse effect arises largely due to the fact that man is engaged in the destruction of forests, and the forest is the main absorber of carbon dioxide.

Among other causes of the problem in the atmosphere, the following can be distinguished:

1. The use in industry of a variety of combustible minerals that are burned, releasing a large amount of harmful compounds.
2. The active use of transport increases the emission of exhaust gases. They not only pollute the air, but also enhance the effect of the phenomenon.
3. Forest fires. This problem is important as it has recently led to serious deforestation.
4. Population growth. This increases the demand for clothing, food, and homes, contributing to more businesses and, as a result, more intense pollution of the planet.
5. The use of fertilizers and agrochemicals that contain harmful substances and also release nitrogen.
6. Burning or decomposition of debris. As a result, the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases.

The greenhouse effect and various climate changes are two inextricably linked concepts. Changes in the climatic conditions of our planet are becoming the main consequences. Experts note that the air temperature is increasing every year and not only in greenhouses. Water sources evaporate faster, reducing expanses of water planets. Scientists are sure that in just two centuries there will be real danger– the water level will drop and “dry out” water resources can actually happen.

In fact, the problems of the biosphere, in particular, the decrease in the number of water bodies on our planet, is only one side of the problem. Second, the glaciers are starting to melt. This, in turn, will, on the contrary, lead to an increase in the level of the World Ocean. As a result, the coasts of islands and continents may be flooded. Already today, we can note a greater number of floods in coastal areas and floods, which increase annually, negatively affecting the environment.

An increase in temperature on our planet will affect all territories, negatively affecting not only the biosphere. For arid territories, the problem will become most pronounced, since today, with low rainfall, they are not entirely acceptable for life. An increase in temperature will lead to the fact that it will be impossible for people to live on them at all. The problem will also be the death of crops due to climatic conditions, which will lead to a shortage of food and the extinction of living organisms.

Implications for human health

Some people mistakenly believe that global warming has no effect on their health. In fact, the damage is quite impressive, it resembles a "time bomb". Scientists believe that the main consequences for human health will be noticeable decades later. The danger is that it will be impossible to change anything.

Such diseases tend to spread rapidly geographically. That is why people all over the world will be exposed to them. Infection carriers can be various insects and animals that will move north due to an increase in air temperature in their usual habitat, as well as due to an increase in greenhouse gases.

What to do with abnormal heat

Currently, global warming, which causes the greenhouse effect, has already affected the lives of people in certain areas. As a result, people must change their habitual lifestyle, as well as take into account a number of tips from specialists in order to maintain their own health.

It can be noted that several decades ago, the average summer temperature ranged from +22 to +27°C. Now it already reaches the range from +35 to +38°C. This causes constant headaches, heat and sunstroke, as well as some other problems - dehydration, problems with the heart and blood vessels. The risk of stroke is also caused by climate change.

1. If possible, reduce physical exercise because they dehydrate the body.
2. Outdoor movements should be reduced to a minimum to prevent sun and heat stroke.
3. It is important to increase the amount of drinking water. The norm for a person is 2-3 liters per day.
4. It is best to avoid direct sunlight when outdoors.
5. If there is no chance to hide from the sun, hats or caps should be worn.
6. In summer, most of the day should be in a room with a cool temperature.

Ways to minimize the greenhouse effect

It is important for humanity that global warming and the greenhouse effect do no harm. To do this, you need to get rid of the sources of greenhouse gases. This will somewhat minimize Negative influence greenhouse effect on the biosphere and the planet as a whole. It should be understood that to begin to change the life of the planet in better side maybe one person, so you should not transfer responsibility to other people.

1. The first thing to do is stop deforestation.
2. You should also plant new shrubs and trees that absorb harmful carbon dioxide.
3. Transport is an integral part of life modern man, but if you switch to electric vehicles, you can reduce the amount of exhaust gases. You can also use alternative modes of transport, for example, bicycles, which are safe for the atmosphere and the biosphere, for the ecology of the planet as a whole.

It is necessary to draw public attention to this problem. Everyone should try to do what they can to reduce the accumulation of greenhouse gases and, as a result, take care of favorable climate our planet.

The increase in the greenhouse effect will lead to the fact that there will be a need for ecosystems, people and living organisms in general to adapt to climate change. Of course, the easiest way is to try to prevent the catastrophe of global warming, for example, to reduce and regulate emissions on earth.

For further development humanity and the conservation of the biosphere, it is important to develop methods that will reduce the negative impact on the atmosphere. To do this, today experts are studying the greenhouse effect and climate change, its various causes and consequences, developing an action plan for the world's population.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

EE "BELARUSIAN STATE ECONOMIC UNIVERSITY"

ESSAY

by discipline: Fundamentals of ecology and energy saving

on the topic of: Greenhouse effect: causes and consequences

Checked by: T.N. Filipović

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The idea of ​​the mechanism of the greenhouse effect was first stated in 1827 by Joseph Fourier in the article "Note on the temperatures of the globe and other planets", in which he considered various mechanisms for the formation of the Earth's climate, while he considered as factors affecting the overall heat balance of the Earth ( heating by solar radiation, cooling by radiation, internal warmth Earth), as well as factors affecting heat transfer and temperatures of climatic zones (thermal conductivity, atmospheric and oceanic circulation).

When considering the influence of the atmosphere on the radiation balance, Fourier analyzed the experiment of M. de Saussure with a vessel blackened from the inside, covered with glass. De Saussure measured the temperature difference between the inside and outside of such a vessel exposed to direct sunlight. Fourier explained the increase in temperature inside such a "mini-greenhouse" compared to the external temperature by the action of two factors: blocking convective heat transfer (glass prevents the outflow of heated air from the inside and the inflow of cool air from the outside) and the different transparency of the glass in the visible and infrared ranges.

It is the latter factor that received the name of the greenhouse effect in later literature - by absorbing visible light, the surface heats up and emits thermal (infrared) rays; Since glass is transparent to visible light and almost opaque to thermal radiation, the accumulation of heat leads to such an increase in temperature at which the number of thermal rays passing through the glass is sufficient to establish thermal equilibrium.

Fourier postulated that the optical properties of the Earth's atmosphere are similar to the optical properties of glass, that is, its transparency in the infrared range is lower than the transparency in the optical range.

CAUSES OF THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

The ever-increasing volumes of fuel burned, the penetration of industrial gases into the atmosphere, widespread burning and deforestation, anaerobic fermentation and much more - all this led to the emergence of such a global environmental problem as the greenhouse effect.

The main chemicals that create the greenhouse effect are the following five gases:

Carbon dioxide (50% greenhouse effect);

Chlorofluorocarbons (25%);

Nitric oxide (8%);

Ground level ozone (7%);

Methane (10%).

Carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of burning various kinds fuel. About 1/3 of the amount of carbon dioxide is due to burning and deforestation, as well as desertification processes. Less forest means less green woody plants capable of absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Every year, the content of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere increases by an average of 0.5%.

Chlorofluorocarbons contribute about 25% to the total greenhouse effect. They have a double danger for humans and the nature of the Earth: firstly, they contribute to the development of the greenhouse effect; secondly, they destroy atmospheric ozone.

Methane - one of the important "greenhouse" gases. The content of methane in the atmosphere has doubled over the past 100 years. The main source of methane in the Earth's atmosphere is natural process anaerobic fermentation occurring in wet rice production, animal husbandry, sewage treatment fields, decomposition of municipal and municipal sewage, decay and decay processes organic matter in dumps of household garbage, etc. Oil pollution of the land surface and the World Ocean also makes a significant contribution to the increase in free methane in the atmosphere of our planet.

Nitric oxide formed in many technological processes modern agricultural production (for example, in the formation and use of organic fertilizers), as well as as a result of the combustion of ever-increasing volumes of various fuels.

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS FOR GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Global climate change is very complex, so modern science cannot give an unambiguous answer about what awaits us in the near future. There are many scenarios for the development of the situation. To determine these scenarios, factors slowing down and accelerating global warming are taken into account.

Factors accelerating global warming:

Emissions of CO 2 , methane, nitrous oxide as a result of man-made activities;

Decomposition, due to temperature increase, of geochemical sources of carbonates with the release of CO 2 . The earth's crust contains 50,000 times more carbon dioxide in a bound state than in the atmosphere;

An increase in the content of water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere, due to an increase in temperature, and hence the evaporation of ocean water;

Emission of CO 2 by the World Ocean due to its heating (the solubility of gases decreases with increasing water temperature). For each degree increase in water temperature, the solubility of CO2 in it drops by 3%. The World Ocean contains 60 times more CO 2 than the Earth's atmosphere (140 trillion tons);

A decrease in the Earth's albedo (the reflectivity of the planet's surface), due to the melting of glaciers, a change climatic zones and vegetation. The sea surface reflects much less sunlight than the polar glaciers and snows of the planet, the mountains devoid of glaciers also have a lower albedo, the woody vegetation moving north has a lower albedo than the tundra plants. Over the past five years, the Earth's albedo has already decreased by 2.5%;

Emission of methane during thawing of permafrost;

Decomposition of methane hydrates - crystalline icy compounds of water and methane contained in the subpolar regions of the Earth.

Factors slowing down global warming:

Global warming causes ocean currents to slow down, slowing of the warm Gulf Stream will cause a decrease in temperature in the Arctic;

With an increase in temperature on Earth, evaporation increases, and hence cloudiness, which is a certain kind of barrier to the path of sunlight. Cloud area increases by approximately 0.4% for every degree of warming;

With the growth of evaporation, the amount of precipitation increases, which contributes to the waterlogging of lands, and swamps, as you know, are one of the main depots of CO 2 ;

An increase in temperature will contribute to the expansion of the area of ​​warm seas, and hence the expansion of the range of mollusks and coral reefs, these organisms are actively involved in the deposition of CO 2, which goes to the construction of shells;

An increase in the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere stimulates the growth and development of plants, which are active acceptors (consumers) of this greenhouse gas.

Here are 5 scenarios for the future of planet Earth:

Scenario 1 - global warming will occur gradually. The earth is a very large and complex system consisting of a large number interconnected structural components. The planet has a mobile atmosphere, the movement of air masses of which distributes thermal energy according to the latitudes of the planet, on Earth there is a huge accumulator of heat and gases - the World Ocean (the ocean accumulates 1000 times more heat than the atmosphere) Changes in such a complex system cannot occur quickly. Centuries and millennia will pass before any tangible climate change can be judged.

Scenario 2 - global warming will occur relatively quickly. The most "popular" scenario at present. According to various estimates, over the past hundred years, the average temperature on our planet has increased by 0.5-1 ° C, the concentration of CO 2 has increased by 20-24%, and methane by 100%. In the future, these processes will continue and by the end of the 21st century, the average temperature of the Earth's surface may increase from 1.1 to 6.4°C. Further melting of the Arctic and Antarctic ice can accelerate the processes of global warming due to changes in the planet's albedo. According to some scientists, only the ice caps of the planet, due to the reflection of solar radiation, cool our Earth by 2 ° C, and the ice covering the surface of the ocean significantly slows down the processes of heat transfer between the relatively warm ocean waters and the colder surface layer of the atmosphere. In addition, over the ice caps, there is practically no main greenhouse gas - water vapor, since it is frozen out.

Global warming will be accompanied by rising sea levels. From 1995 to 2005, the level of the World Ocean has already risen by 4 cm, instead of the predicted 2 cm. If the level of the World Ocean continues to rise at the same rate, then by the end of the 21st century, the total rise in its level will be 30 - 50 cm, which will cause partial flooding of many coastal areas, especially the densely populated coast of Asia. It should be remembered that about 100 million people on Earth live at an altitude of less than 88 centimeters above sea level.

In addition to rising sea levels, global warming affects the strength of the winds and the distribution of precipitation on the planet. As a result, the frequency and scale of various natural disasters(storms, hurricanes, droughts, floods).

Currently, 2% of all land suffers from drought, according to some scientists, by 2050, up to 10% of all continents will be covered by drought. In addition, the seasonal distribution of precipitation will change.

Rainfall and storm frequency will increase in northern Europe and the western United States, and hurricanes will rage twice as often as in the 20th century. The climate of Central Europe will become changeable, in the heart of Europe winters will become warmer and summers rainier. Eastern and Southern Europe, including the Mediterranean, will face drought and heat.