Global Warming Effects and Causes
Running Head: Global Warming
Global Warming
APA Research
Hessa AlShaikh
General Idea about Global Warming
Global warming is the increase in average temperature of the oceans and atmosphere, both observed and predicted. The surface temperature of Earth depends on a balance of incoming and outgoing heat. When outgoing heat, or energy, exceeds incoming energy, an ice age occurs. Global warming results when incoming energy levels are greater than outgoing energy levels.
Causes of Global Warming
There are numerous causes of global warming, and scientists typically divide those causes into two primary groups: natural causes and man-made causes. While humans can do little to eradicate natural causes, it is possible to reduce or eliminate man-made causes.
Natural Causes of Global Warming
Natural causes have been contributing to global warming since before recorded history. Most experts do not believe that natural causes alone are substantial enough to result in the climate changes currently taking place on the planet.
Sunspots
Increased solar activity changes the Earth's solar radiation levels, thereby causing short-term warming cycles. Sunspots are dark patches on the sun's surface that block hot solar plasma. Although this blocking action might appear to reduce solar radiation, the opposite is true.
Permafrost
Permafrost, which is solid, frozen soil, constitutes about 25 percent of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere. Until recently, permafrost has locked carbon and methane beneath the surface of the planet. In some areas, permafrost is now emitting carbon, which could potentially accelerate the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Water Vapor
Water vapor is increasing in the atmosphere due to carbon dioxide-induced warming.
Global Warming
APA Research
Hessa AlShaikh
General Idea about Global Warming
Global warming is the increase in average temperature of the oceans and atmosphere, both observed and predicted. The surface temperature of Earth depends on a balance of incoming and outgoing heat. When outgoing heat, or energy, exceeds incoming energy, an ice age occurs. Global warming results when incoming energy levels are greater than outgoing energy levels.
Causes of Global Warming
There are numerous causes of global warming, and scientists typically divide those causes into two primary groups: natural causes and man-made causes. While humans can do little to eradicate natural causes, it is possible to reduce or eliminate man-made causes.
Natural Causes of Global Warming
Natural causes have been contributing to global warming since before recorded history. Most experts do not believe that natural causes alone are substantial enough to result in the climate changes currently taking place on the planet.
Sunspots
Increased solar activity changes the Earth's solar radiation levels, thereby causing short-term warming cycles. Sunspots are dark patches on the sun's surface that block hot solar plasma. Although this blocking action might appear to reduce solar radiation, the opposite is true.
Permafrost
Permafrost, which is solid, frozen soil, constitutes about 25 percent of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere. Until recently, permafrost has locked carbon and methane beneath the surface of the planet. In some areas, permafrost is now emitting carbon, which could potentially accelerate the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Water Vapor
Water vapor is increasing in the atmosphere due to carbon dioxide-induced warming.