Can Certain Gases Diminish the Greenhouse Effect?

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In summary, clouds reflect sunlight back into space, which helps to keep the Earth's atmosphere from warming too much. Dimethyl sulfide and other sulfate aerosols are the precursor gases to these clouds, which can have a cooling effect on the planet.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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Whereas atmospheric water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone contribute to the greenhouse effect, is there any gas which diminishes it?
 
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  • #2
Not sure it is really possible for there to be a negative greenhouse gas. A gas either absorbs IR or it doesn't!
 
  • #3
Water vapor, aka clouds, reflect light from the sun back into outer space rather effectively.
 
  • #4
Topher925 said:
Water vapor, aka clouds, reflect light from the sun back into outer space rather effectively.
...and back to earth, though clouds are not technically "water vapor".

The reason water vapor makes for a good greenhouse gas is that it is transparent to visible light but not very transparent to IR, so the light goes through the atmosphere and hits the earth, then the heat radiated from the Earth is trapped by the water vapor.
 
  • #5
Loren Booda said:
Whereas atmospheric water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone contribute to the greenhouse effect, is there any gas which diminishes it?

Sulfate aerosols do this. They nucleate clouds in an atmosphere that also contains water vapor. Therefore, I believe that SO2 is the gas you are looking for. Dimethyl sulfide is another one. Both of these gases are precursor gases to a sulfate aerosol that condenses clouds and increases albedo.
 
  • #6
chemisttree said:
Sulfate aerosols do this. They nucleate clouds in an atmosphere that also contains water vapor. Therefore, I believe that SO2 is the gas you are looking for. Dimethyl sulfide is another one. Both of these gases are precursor gases to a sulfate aerosol that condenses clouds and increases albedo.
Aren't some sulfate aerosols products of oceanic microbes?
 
  • #7
Loren Booda said:
Aren't some sulfate aerosols products of oceanic microbes?

Dimethyl sulfide is ...
 
  • #8
Topher925 said:
Water vapor, aka clouds, reflect light from the sun back into outer space rather effectively.

thank you for your message
 
  • #9
could i get water immedietly if i react hydrogen with oxygen in laboratory?
 
  • #10
Water is a product of this reaction, so in a way yes - you have it immediately. Fast and loud.

--
 
  • #11
Borek said:
Water is a product of this reaction, so in a way yes - you have it immediately. Fast and loud.

...and a little bit on the warm side for most people's tastes.
 

FAQ: Can Certain Gases Diminish the Greenhouse Effect?

How do certain gases diminish the greenhouse effect?

Certain gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This is known as the greenhouse effect. However, when these gases reach high concentrations in the atmosphere, they can absorb and trap an excessive amount of heat, leading to a diminishing of the greenhouse effect.

Which gases are responsible for diminishing the greenhouse effect?

The main gases responsible for diminishing the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. Other greenhouse gases, such as nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluorocarbons, can also contribute to this effect.

How do human activities contribute to an increase in these gases?

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture, release large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. These activities also disrupt the natural balance of the carbon cycle, leading to an increase in these gases and a diminishing of the greenhouse effect.

What are the consequences of a diminished greenhouse effect?

A diminished greenhouse effect can lead to a rise in global temperatures, causing climate change. This can result in extreme weather events, sea level rise, loss of biodiversity, and other negative impacts on the environment and human society.

Can we reverse the diminishing of the greenhouse effect?

Yes, we can take actions to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases and mitigate the diminishing of the greenhouse effect. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable land management practices, and promoting more efficient use of resources.

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