clouds and the greenhouse effect. the global average temperature on earth is about 15 o c which is...
TRANSCRIPT
Clouds and the Greenhouse Effect
The global average temperature on Earth is about 15 oC which is 30 oC more than it should be!
- 15 oC (5 oF)
This is the calculated temperature of the Earth.
The actual average temperature is 15 oC ( 60oF)
Let ‘s look at our nearest neighbors in space.
VenusMarsMercury
Credit: Lunar and Planetary Institute
Venus
Image Credit: NASA/courtesy of nasaimages.org
We cannot see the surface of Venus because of the dense clouds in its atmosphere.
Venus
Artist concept of lightning on Venus. Image credit: ESA
Its surface is hotter than the surface of Mercury which is much closer to the sun!
Hot Enough to Melt Lead !
Venus’ Desiccated Atmosphere; an Artists’ Conception. (Credit: The New Scientist).
Mars
Image Credit: NASA/courtesy of nasaimages.org
Surface of Mars
Image Credit: NASA/courtesy of nasaimages.org
Mars
Image Credit: NASA/courtesy of nasaimages.org
Mars’ Temperature Range
What’s Wrong?
• Venus is far too hot• Earth is 30 degrees too hot•Mars is close to calculated
value
Why are there differences?
• Certain gasses in the atmosphere absorb heat energy and reduce the amount that escapes into space
Excess Carbon Dioxide
This ‘trapping’ of heat from the sun by the atmosphere is known
as the ‘Greenhouse Effect’
The Greenhouse Effect
