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GCSE Geography · key term
A gas, such as carbon dioxide or methane, that absorbs outgoing heat radiation and helps warm the atmosphere.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 3.1.1.4 · Paper 1
A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits outgoing long-wave radiation, such as carbon dioxide or methane.
Revise: Causes of Climate ChangeGreenhouse gases, including water vapour, carbon dioxide and methane, absorb some of the long-wave radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. They then emit energy in all directions, including back towards the surface. This warms the surface and lower atmosphere: the natural greenhouse effect.
Specification 2.3, 6.3, 6.5 · Paper 1, Paper 2
Distinguish electricity generation from construction: wind turbines produce no greenhouse gases while generating electricity, but manufacturing and installing them can cause emissions.
Distinguish lower emissions from no emissions. Natural gas, including shale gas, still releases greenhouse gases.
Distinguish the natural greenhouse effect from its human-caused enhancement. The natural effect is essential for life; the extra warming comes from increased greenhouse gas concentrations.
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An atmospheric gas that absorbs outgoing long-wave radiation emitted by Earth's surface, helping to warm the surface and lower atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases absorb some of it and re-emit radiation in different directions, including back towards the surface. This reduces the rate at which Earth loses energy and warms the surface and lower atmosphere.
A gas, such as carbon dioxide, that absorbs outgoing heat radiation and contributes to warming the atmosphere.
A gas, such as carbon dioxide or methane, that absorbs outgoing heat and contributes to warming the atmosphere.
Paper 1
A gas, such as carbon dioxide, that absorbs outgoing heat radiation and helps retain heat in Earth's atmosphere.
Revise: Causes and Mechanisms of Natural Climate ChangeThe collision and its interaction with rocks can also release greenhouse gases. Once the dust and aerosols settle, these gases can remain and contribute to warming lasting decades. Large impacts are therefore rare but potentially powerful causes of abrupt climate change, with different effects at different stages.
A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs outgoing long-wave radiation from the Earth's surface, helping to keep the surface and lower atmosphere warm.
Specification 2.1b · Paper 1, Paper 3
A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation, slowing the loss of heat to space.
Revise: Natural and Human CausesGreenhouse gases absorb some of this outgoing radiation and re-emit it in all directions, including back towards the surface. This warms the surface and lower atmosphere and slows heat loss to space. Some energy still escapes: the atmosphere is not a sealed lid.