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The Greenhouse Effect

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Submitted By malick01
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The Greenhouse Effect
Introduction
Greenhouse effect refers to an atmospheric process by which short wavelenghts of the visible light from the sun pass through the atmosphere where they are absorbed or trapped. However, part of light emitted from the sun in form of long wave is re-radiated from heated objects on the earth’s surface in to the atmosphere. Presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere does not allow the radiations to pass through. The greenhouse gas molecules are more complex than any air molecule and their structure has high heat absorption capacity. The heat radiated back to the earth’s surface to modulate its temperature. According to Parsons, this process is essential in order to support life. if this does not occur, the temperatures on the earth surface would be below freezing point and plant or animal life would be supported. However, human activities in the past centuries have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which in turn have increased the average temperature on the earth’s surface. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. According to a report released by IPCC in 2007, there was a significant increase in production of greenhouse gases between the 19th and 20th century. However, in the context of this paper greenhouse effect will be deciphered via different notions.

Discussion
Increase in Effect
Increase in population has led to increased transportation and manufacturing. This implies rise in the combustion of fossil fuels including oil, gas and coal. Combustion of fossil fuels leads to emission of, among others, carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and this account for over 80% of the Carbon dioxide emission. The gases produced are more stable that stay very long in the atmosphere. Deforestation is a human activity which involves cutting down of trees. Major causes

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