The way the atmosphere is built plays a big role in how climate change happens. The atmosphere has different layers:
Each of these layers helps with the climate in its own special way.
The atmosphere contains gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs), like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These gases are found in the troposphere. They are called greenhouse gases because they trap heat and warm up the Earth's surface — this is known as the greenhouse effect.
When humans do things that increase these gases, like burning fossil fuels, it makes the greenhouse effect stronger. This leads to higher temperatures around the world.
The stratosphere, which is the layer above the troposphere, also affects climate. It contains ozone (O₃), which protects us by absorbing harmful UV rays from the sun. However, if the amount of ozone changes, it can change the way temperatures are spread out. This can affect our weather. When the atmosphere shifts, it changes how air moves around the globe, impacting climate systems everywhere.
The atmosphere can also create feedback loops. For example, when temperatures go up, ice and snow start to melt. When this happens, the Earth reflects less sunlight (this is called albedo) and gets warmer. This cycle can make climate change worse over time.
The way the atmosphere is structured affects our weather. If the layers are stable, it can stop clouds from forming. But if the layers are unstable, it can lead to storms. So, as climate change changes the atmosphere, we see more extreme weather like hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rain.
In short, the structure and makeup of the atmosphere are very important for understanding how climate change works. They influence everything from temperatures to weather patterns and even the long-term effects of climate change.
The way the atmosphere is built plays a big role in how climate change happens. The atmosphere has different layers:
Each of these layers helps with the climate in its own special way.
The atmosphere contains gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs), like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These gases are found in the troposphere. They are called greenhouse gases because they trap heat and warm up the Earth's surface — this is known as the greenhouse effect.
When humans do things that increase these gases, like burning fossil fuels, it makes the greenhouse effect stronger. This leads to higher temperatures around the world.
The stratosphere, which is the layer above the troposphere, also affects climate. It contains ozone (O₃), which protects us by absorbing harmful UV rays from the sun. However, if the amount of ozone changes, it can change the way temperatures are spread out. This can affect our weather. When the atmosphere shifts, it changes how air moves around the globe, impacting climate systems everywhere.
The atmosphere can also create feedback loops. For example, when temperatures go up, ice and snow start to melt. When this happens, the Earth reflects less sunlight (this is called albedo) and gets warmer. This cycle can make climate change worse over time.
The way the atmosphere is structured affects our weather. If the layers are stable, it can stop clouds from forming. But if the layers are unstable, it can lead to storms. So, as climate change changes the atmosphere, we see more extreme weather like hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rain.
In short, the structure and makeup of the atmosphere are very important for understanding how climate change works. They influence everything from temperatures to weather patterns and even the long-term effects of climate change.