Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
16th Edition
ISBN: 9781337569613
Author: G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Question
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Chapter 15, Problem 1CR
To determine

The definition of “atmospheric warning” and “climatic change”. To describe the process of melting glaciers in Greenland, and the relation of glacier melting with climate change. Also, describe the effects it had on the world throughout the century.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1CR

Climatic changes and atmospheric warming are the main causes of global warming as this phenomenon increases the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere causing the glacier to melt.

Explanation of Solution

Atmospheric warming phenomenon is also called global warming. The global temperature of the earth is increasing at an alarming rate due to an increase in the level of greenhouse gases. Several trace gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen dioxide are responsible for the increasing global mean temperature of earth due to the greenhouse effect

Any change in the climate over time, due to natural variability or as a result of human activity, is termed as climate change. The changes in the temperature, rainfall, moisture, and wind velocity are included in the climatic change.

Increase in CO2, methane, and carbon monoxide gas concentration has resulted in the rise of atmospheric temperature. These gases trap the heat coming from the sun and prevent the excessive heat from escaping back to the atmosphere and this effect is called greenhouse effect. The temperature on the Earth’s surface has increased roughly around 2°C after industrialization. Greenland’s glaciers have started melting at a rapid pace, increasing the water level of the sea due to the increase in temperature.

The increase in CO2 level has also affected the flora and fauna population of the world with giving rise to more than 150 different types of flora population. At the same time, it has resulted in the extinction of several hundreds of species.

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