Methane, Water Vapor, Nitrous Oxide, And Low Level Ozone's Damage To Our Earth
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Methane, Water Vapor, Nitrous Oxide, And Low Level Ozone's Damage To Our Earth

Carbon Doesn't Do all the Work

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Methane, Water Vapor, Nitrous Oxide, And Low Level Ozone's Damage To Our Earth
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While carbon is the gas we point the finger at in regards to climate change it is not the only one we should be thinking about. There is also water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, and low-level ozone. While these aren't necessarily the main contributor to climate change they still cause damage to the Earth and its inhabitants.

Water Vapor

Water vapor comes from a variety of sources and while it is not directly affected by the human influence it still had an effect on our planet's temperature. The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere is actually controlled by our overall temperature. To elaborate, as the temperature rises evaporation from the ocean and other water sources increases. This then can increase the Earths temperature further and result in more evaporation in a positive feedback loop. This can essentially take climate change out of our hands. Currently, the oceans are absorbing some of this excess heat and carbon dioxide.This acidifies the ocean and has negative effects on marine life including the destruction and harm done to coral reefs. Excess carbon has also increased acidity levels which affect shell formation in different marine life.

Methane

The production of methane can be linked back to landfills, natural gas systems, raising livestock and mining. Methane is said to be more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide but makes up a much smaller amount in the atmosphere and dissipates within an estimated 20 years. The reason that methane is better at trapping heat has to do with its atomic composition. It’s made up of four hydrogen atoms bound by one carbon atom and this unique build makes it less susceptible to letting heat energy out based on the energy’s place on the infrared spectrum. Carbon dioxide also bounces this energy back just as methane does.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide on a molecular scale is produced naturally from microorganisms. It is also found in commercial fertilizer and can transfer to the atmosphere that way. It can remain in the atmosphere for over one hundred years. This gas also has been known to break down the ozone layer around the Earth, which causes us to become more vulnerable to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Without the ozone's protection, we wouldn't be able to live on Earth.

Low-Level Ozone

Low-level ozone is also known as ground level or tropospheric ozone. This is created by oxide of nitrogen and man-made or natural organic compounds along with heat and sunlight. The man-made volatile organic compounds consist of It can have a large effect on a population's health.Man-made volatile organic compounds can come from gasoline burning engines and various consumer products such as paint. To elaborate, it affects people with lowered immune systems such as children and the elderly. It has the potential to permanently damage lungs and increases your risk of respiratory-related illness and infection such as bronchitis. Not only that but it can also have negative effects on vegetation as well.

To conclude, we are learning more and more every day as a scientific community and the general public is becoming more aware of issue revolving climate change day by day. I encourage you to continue researching.



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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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