ESS102H1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Global Warming Potential, Black Carbon, Radiative Forcing
Document Summary
Global warming: refers to change in average global surface temperature. Three factors exert more influence on earth"s climate than all others: sun (provides heat + energy, atmosphere (keeps a habitable temperature; moderates temp, oceans (shape climate; stores + transports heat and moisture) Greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, some of which travel into space while others are projected downward back to the surface thus warming the surface known as greenhouse effect. Global warming potential refers to the relative ability of one molecule of a given greenhouse gas to contribute to warming. Aerosols: microscopic droplets and particles, can have either a warming or cooling effect; e. g. soot or black carbon aerosols can cause warming by absorbing solar energy, but most phosphoric aerosols cool the atmosphere by reflecting the sun"s rays. El nino conditions are triggered when air pressure increases in the western.
