12. What are the qualities/characteristics of a greenhouse gas?

Answer 1

1. Ability to absorb and trap heat: Greenhouse gases have the ability to absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

2. Wavelength-specific absorption: Each greenhouse gas has specific absorption bands that allow them to absorb certain wavelengths of infrared radiation.

3. Long atmospheric lifetime: Greenhouse gases can remain in the atmosphere for extended periods, contributing to the greenhouse effect over time.

4. Concentration-dependent warming potential: The warming potential of a greenhouse gas is dependent on its concentration in the atmosphere.

5. Global warming potential (GWP): Each greenhouse gas has a unique GWP, which measures its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide over a specific time period.

6. Anthropogenic sources: Greenhouse gases are primarily emitted from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.

7. Positive feedback mechanisms: The presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can lead to positive feedback mechanisms, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and contributing to climate change.