GREEN HOUSE EFFECT

In atmosphere, the part of the outgoing radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and retained as heat energy. The remaining energy escapes into outer space. Carbon dioxide, water vapor, and few other gases in the atmosphere are capable of absorbing the outgoing radiation. (Called, greenhouse gases) the concentration of these gases, more the amount of long wave radiation is absorbed. It is a natural phenomenon occurring in the atmosphere. It helps preventing the earth from drastic cooling of the earth and its atmosphere. If all the heat energy from the earth’s surface is lost to the space, then earth will become too cold. These gases act like a blanket and provide the earth with “blanketing effect”. This process is called Greenhouse effect.

However, the intensity of this effect may vary from place to place depending upon the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. For example, over desert atmosphere, the amount of water vapor is far less as it is a dry place. Carbon dioxide concentration is also very less as life is sparsely distributed and less number of living organisms exist here. Hence, more radiation will escape into the space and very little amount of radiation is retained. Consequently, the desert atmosphere will be cool during night.

Due to increase in greenhouse gases, more heat energy will be absorbed, the atmosphere is becoming warmer which may cause global warming. Global warming is the increase in the earth’s temperature as a result of the greenhouse effect. Global warming is constantly resulting in extreme high temperature of the surface, reduction of snow cover and rise in the water level. So, it has become really important to reduce the process of warming as soon as possible. Each one of our effort can save the environment from the serious hazards.

Control Measures:

 Reduce, reuse & recycling of the waste which ultimately decrease the CO2 content.

 Using less Heat and air conditioning

 Plantation as trees act as carbon dioxide sinker

 Less use of the vehicles as individually which may reduce emission of greenhouse gases.

 Use of renewable energy source in place of non-renewable energy source like fossil