Relatively to other gas molecules in the atmosphere, the claim that Co2 is a "heat trapping greenhouse gas" is complete bullshit with precisely ZERO ACTUAL DATA to support it.... only FUDGE of the satellite and balloon data.
The understanding that carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) absorbs and emits infrared (IR) radiation is based on several lines of scientific evidence and established principles in physics and chemistry. Here are the key points that explain how scientists know this:
### 1. Spectroscopy:
- Infrared Spectroscopy: Scientists use a technique called spectroscopy to study how gases absorb and emit light at different wavelengths. When IR radiation passes through a sample of COâ‚‚, specific wavelengths of that radiation are absorbed due to the vibrational transitions of COâ‚‚ molecules.
- Each molecule has a unique "fingerprint" of absorption that corresponds to the specific wavelengths of light it can absorb. For COâ‚‚, absorption occurs primarily in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, particularly around wavelengths of approximately 4.3 micrometers and 15 micrometers.
### 2. Laboratory Experiments:
- Controlled laboratory experiments have been conducted to measure the absorption characteristics of COâ‚‚ and other greenhouse gases. These experiments confirm that COâ‚‚ can absorb IR radiation and subsequently re-emit it.
### 3. Theoretical Models:
- Radiative Transfer Models: Scientists use radiative transfer equations and models to predict how gases in the atmosphere interact with radiation. These models take into account the absorption and emission properties of different gases, including COâ‚‚.
- Climate models incorporate these principles to simulate how changes in COâ‚‚ concentrations affect the Earth's energy balance and climate.
### 4. Atmospheric Observations:
- Satellite Measurements: Satellites equipped with sensors can measure the spectral characteristics of the Earth's atmosphere. These measurements provide direct evidence of the absorption of IR radiation by greenhouse gases, including COâ‚‚.
- Data from satellites show changes in atmospheric composition and correlate them with temperature trends, supporting the understanding of COâ‚‚'s role in climate change.
### 5. Historical Data:
- Ice core samples provide historical data on COâ‚‚ concentrations and global temperatures over hundreds of thousands of years. This data shows a correlation between increased COâ‚‚ levels and higher global temperatures, consistent with the greenhouse effect.
### 6. The Greenhouse Effect:
- The mechanism of the greenhouse effect is well understood and supported by extensive research. When COâ‚‚ absorbs IR radiation emitted from the Earth's surface, it re-emits some of that energy back toward the surface, contributing to warming. This process has been validated through both experimental and observational studies.
### Conclusion:
In summary, the understanding that COâ‚‚ absorbs and emits infrared radiation is supported by a combination of experimental spectroscopy, laboratory studies, theoretical models, satellite observations, and historical climate data. These lines of evidence converge to confirm the role of COâ‚‚ as a greenhouse gas that contributes to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a significant greenhouse gas in the Earth's atmosphere, but its absorbent properties in terms of infrared (IR) radiation are part of a broader context that includes other greenhouse gases, particularly water vapor (H₂O) and methane (CH₄). Here’s a comparison of the absorbent properties of CO₂ relative to other atmospheric molecules:
### 1. Water Vapor (Hâ‚‚O):
- Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and is also the most effective at absorbing IR radiation. It covers a broad range of wavelengths and has strong absorption bands, particularly in the infrared region.
- Water vapor's capacity to absorb heat is much greater than that of COâ‚‚, particularly because it can exist in different phases (gas, liquid, solid) and contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect.
### 2. Methane (CHâ‚„):
- Methane is another potent greenhouse gas, though it is present in much lower concentrations than COâ‚‚. Methane is more effective at absorbing IR radiation than COâ‚‚, with a much stronger greenhouse effect per molecule.
- Methane has specific absorption bands that overlap with those of COâ‚‚, making it a very effective greenhouse gas despite its lower concentration.
### 3. Carbon Dioxide (COâ‚‚):
- COâ‚‚ has specific absorption bands, particularly around 4.3 micrometers and 15 micrometers in the infrared spectrum. While it is not as effective at absorbing IR radiation as water vapor or methane on a per-molecule basis, it plays a crucial role in the greenhouse effect due to its relatively high concentration and long atmospheric lifetime.
- CO₂ also contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing energy emitted by the Earth’s surface and re-emitting it back toward the surface, thereby warming the atmosphere.
### 4. Other Greenhouse Gases:
- Nitrous Oxide (Nâ‚‚O): Another greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide is less abundant than COâ‚‚ but is effective at absorbing IR radiation. It has a significant warming potential.
- Ozone (O₃): Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs UV radiation and has some greenhouse gas properties in the troposphere, contributing to warming.
### 5. Overall Contribution:
- While COâ‚‚ is less effective at absorbing IR radiation on a per-molecule basis compared to water vapor and methane, its higher concentration in the atmosphere and its long-term stability make it a significant contributor to the greenhouse effect and climate change.
- The combined effects of all greenhouse gases are important for understanding the overall warming effect on the planet. Water vapor amplifies the effects of COâ‚‚ and other greenhouse gases through feedback mechanisms, making the overall impact of these gases more complex.
### Conclusion:
In summary, while COâ‚‚ is a key greenhouse gas, it is not the most effective absorber of infrared radiation when compared to water vapor and methane. However, its role in climate change is significant due to its concentration, long atmospheric lifetime, and the way it interacts with other greenhouse gases and climate systems.
