How increased co2 increases the temperature

In summary, an increase in temperature can lead to a decrease in the solubility of CO2 in sea water, causing more CO2 to be released into the atmosphere. This is further exacerbated by the release of methane from arctic underwater reserves, creating a positive feedback loop that contributes to a rise in atmospheric temperature. Efforts are being made to prevent this cycle from reaching a tipping point and causing exponential growth in greenhouse gases.
  • #1
keepitmoving
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I understand how increased CO2 increases the temperature but how does an increase in temperature increase the CO2 level?
 
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  • #2


keepitmoving said:
I understand how increased CO2 increases the temperature but how does an increase in temperature increase the CO2 level?

Primarily by reducing the solubility of CO2 in sea water.

Cheers -- sylas
 
  • #3


thanks.
 
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Henry's Law Explains Sylas' explanation. As temperature increases, solubility of permanent gases tends to decrease. The real concern with increased water temperature, however, is not that more CO2 is liberated- but that arctic underwater methane reserves are. Methane is a FAR more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 is and the relationship between increased atmospheric temperature and increased water temperature is that they are in a positive feedback loop. (higher atmospheric temp heat the oceans, which liberates more dissolved methane, which increases atmospheric temp, which heats the oceans, and so on) Environmentalists and geoscientists are working on finding ways of curbing this reinforcement cycle before it reaches a tipping point of exponential growth and can't be stopped. Furthermore, as the temperature of seawater increases, the pH is shifted toward the acidic, and carbon dioxide that has been converted to it's dissolved state of HCO3- is shifted toward it's more basic CO2 form, which then escapes the water and enters the atmosphere.
 

1. How does an increase in CO2 lead to an increase in temperature?

When CO2 levels in the atmosphere increase, it traps more heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere. This trapped heat causes the Earth's temperature to rise, resulting in global warming.

2. Is there evidence that higher CO2 levels cause higher temperatures?

Yes, there is a significant amount of evidence to support the link between increased CO2 levels and rising temperatures. This includes historical data, atmospheric measurements, and experiments that demonstrate the greenhouse effect of CO2.

3. How does CO2 act as a greenhouse gas?

CO2 absorbs and reflects heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This is known as the greenhouse effect, and it is essential for maintaining the Earth's temperature at a habitable level. However, when there is an excess of CO2 in the atmosphere, it can lead to an increase in temperature, causing global warming.

4. Can other factors contribute to the greenhouse effect and rising temperatures?

Yes, there are other greenhouse gases, such as methane and water vapor, that contribute to the greenhouse effect and can also lead to an increase in temperature. Human activities, such as deforestation and agriculture, also play a role in increasing these greenhouse gas levels and contributing to the overall warming of the Earth.

5. How can we reduce CO2 emissions to mitigate the effects of global warming?

Reducing our carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient practices, and reducing our consumption of fossil fuels can help decrease CO2 emissions. Additionally, reforestation and carbon capture technologies can also help to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of global warming.

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