Suppose the present concentration of CO₂ doubled in 100 years, and climate models predicted a 5^oC increase in Earth's average temperature. Which of the following gases must also increase in concentration?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in concentration of CO₂ would lead to an increase in Earth's temperature due to its greenhouse effect. This would lead to an increase in the atmospheric water vapor content as a warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor. Therefore, D) water vapor is the gas that must also increase in concentration. Oxygen and nitrogen are present in the atmosphere at high concentrations and are not greenhouse gases. Methane is a greenhouse gas but its concentration is not directly related to the increase in concentration of CO₂.

Suppose the Present Concentration of CO2 Doubled in 100 Years

Suppose the Present Concentration of CO₂ Doubled in 100 Years