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- Natural gases that cause the atmosphere to overheat
- Man-made gases that cause the atmosphere to overheat
The atmosphere overheating is the increase in the average temperature of planet Earth. This occurs when certain gases (called greenhouse gases) that retain heat from the sun's rays are released into the atmosphere in excess. For example: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides.
Most of what are considered greenhouse gases are naturally present in the atmosphere and are necessary. These retain part of the solar radiation (infrared or long wave radiation) to maintain an average temperature suitable for inhabiting the world as we know it (without these gases, the planet's temperature would be much lower). This phenomenon occurs naturally and is known as the greenhouse effect.
However, since the industrial revolution and due to human activity (industries, transport, deforestation, burning of fossil fuels) the emission into the atmosphere of these gases and other artificial chemical compounds that retain heat and contribute to to overheating. This leads to global warming that results in global climate changes (melting, rising sea levels, changes in temperatures).
- It can help you: Toxic gases
Natural gases that cause the atmosphere to overheat
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): It is a gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere, but has increased its presence in recent decades. This is mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, as trees absorb CO2 for photosynthesis. Year after year, new records are set for the presence of this gas in the atmosphere (about 3 parts per million per year).
- Methane (CH4): It is a gas that is formed naturally as a result of the decomposition of organic matter, but it is also produced by human activities such as gas and food production and in waste treatment. It is found in the atmosphere in a lower proportion than CO2. Its duration in the atmosphere is short but it has a very powerful heating power.
- Ozone (O3): It is a gas that is found in the stratosphere and absorbs part of the solar ultraviolet radiation (which is harmful to the biosphere), which allows life on earth. The ozone that is closest to the earth (tropospheric ozone) is not emitted directly into the atmosphere, but is formed through photochemical reactions and has harmful consequences for the health of living beings.
- Nitrogen oxides: Made up of different gases. They are emitted naturally (by forest fires, bacterial decomposition) and by human activities (combustion of diesel engines, combustion of coal, oil or natural gas).
- Water steam: It is a vital element in the atmosphere that is generated naturally as a result of evaporation. It is often considered as an amplifier of other greenhouse gases, since an increase in carbon dioxide produces an increase in the temperature of the earth which in turn produces an increase in water vapor in the atmosphere. As water vapor is also a greenhouse gas, it brings an increase in the earth's temperature.
Man-made gases that cause the atmosphere to overheat
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Chemical compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon. These are not found naturally but have been created chemically by man. CFCs were used in the manufacture of aerosols and in refrigeration and air conditioning. When these gases reach the stratosphere, chlorine is released and this is responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. They were totally banned in 2010.
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Chemical compounds that were used to replace CFC (since it significantly affected the ozone layer). However, HFCs have a great heating power and therefore affect the greenhouse effect.
- Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6): Artificial gas used mainly as an electrical insulator for equipment in industrial processes. Due to its high density, it cannot ascend to the upper layers of the atmosphere but contributes to the greenhouse effect due to its high permanence in the air. At high temperatures it decomposes into toxic substances such as sulfur dioxide (released in the atmosphere, it is responsible for acid rain).
- It can help you: Main air pollutants
