Global warming, also known as the greenhouse effect, occurs when the average temperatures of the air and oceans increase over time. The Earth is surrounded by atmospheric gases; 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% trace gases such as carbon dioxide, and methane; the trace gases are considered greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases act like a glass shield, trapping the sun's radiant energy into the Earth's atmosphere, raising the average surface temperature. There are many causes to the increase in greenhouse gases; some being natural and others being manmade. Natural sources include; solar cycles, volcanic eruption, and forest fires. Manmade sources include; aerosols (chlorofluorocarbon), carbon, and soot. Although heavily debated as to the leading cause of global warming, scientists agree, and confirm that global warming is, in fact, occurring. The documented increases in average temperature in the air and oceans during the past century have shown an increase of 1.33 +/- 0.32 F.
With the increase of air and ocean temperatures comes devastating consequences to the environment and ecosystems around the world. One of the most notable effects is the shrinking of the polar ice caps. The warmer temperatures are melting the polar ice caps forcing the sea levels to rise. As the sea levels rise, oceans will overtake many miles of inhabited land masses through flooding; forcing evacuations, pollution, and potential extinction of some species. As the fresh water melt mixes with the salt water, the salinity levels, and density of the oceans are changed, and transported to the south by the ocean's conveyor system. The reduced salinity levels allow the sea water to warm more rapidly, effecting severe weather patterns. A change in the global climate and weather patterns will negatively affect animal and plant life on land as well. Agricultural yields will be lost or reduced through drought, wildfires, and growth of deserts. Disappearing habitat, a change in sea water salinity, and changing ecosystems will mean certain extinction for many species. Additionally, reduced areas of ice coverage will reduce the amount of radiant heat reflected back to space, raising temperatures even more.
Living and Nonliving Factors
As briefly stated in the opening of this paper, there are many factors that affect global warming. These factors are not debatable; what is debatable is what the leading causes to global warming are. Through its existence, the Earth has had a natural cycle of heating, and cooling; however, since the industrial revolution at the turn of the 20th Century, a sharp increase in surface air, and water temperature has been noted.
Global warming, also known as the greenhouse effect, occurs when the average temperatures of the air and oceans increase over time. The Earth is surrounded by atmospheric gases; 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% trace gases such as carbon dioxide, and methane; the trace gases are considered greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases act like a glass shield, trapping the sun's radiant energy into the Earth's atmosphere, raising the average surface temperature. There are many causes to the increase in greenhouse gases; some being natural and others being manmade. Natural sources include; solar cycles, volcanic eruption, and forest fires. Manmade sources include; aerosols (chlorofluorocarbon), carbon, and soot. Although heavily debated as to the leading cause of global warming, scientists agree, and confirm that global warming is, in fact, occurring. The documented increases in average temperature in the air and oceans during the past century have shown an increase of 1.33 +/- 0.32 F.With the increase of air and ocean temperatures comes devastating consequences to the environment and ecosystems around the world. One of the most notable effects is the shrinking of the polar ice caps. The warmer temperatures are melting the polar ice caps forcing the sea levels to rise. As the sea levels rise, oceans will overtake many miles of inhabited land masses through flooding; forcing evacuations, pollution, and potential extinction of some species. As the fresh water melt mixes with the salt water, the salinity levels, and density of the oceans are changed, and transported to the south by the ocean's conveyor system. The reduced salinity levels allow the sea water to warm more rapidly, effecting severe weather patterns. A change in the global climate and weather patterns will negatively affect animal and plant life on land as well. Agricultural yields will be lost or reduced through drought, wildfires, and growth of deserts. Disappearing habitat, a change in sea water salinity, and changing ecosystems will mean certain extinction for many species. Additionally, reduced areas of ice coverage will reduce the amount of radiant heat reflected back to space, raising temperatures even more.Living and Nonliving FactorsAs briefly stated in the opening of this paper, there are many factors that affect global warming. These factors are not debatable; what is debatable is what the leading causes to global warming are. Through its existence, the Earth has had a natural cycle of heating, and cooling; however, since the industrial revolution at the turn of the 20th Century, a sharp increase in surface air, and water temperature has been noted.
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