The discussion centers on the roles of methane and hydrogen sulfide in the context of global warming, particularly focusing on their densities, atmospheric behavior, and the mechanisms by which they may contribute to warming. Participants explore theoretical and conceptual aspects of gas behavior in the atmosphere.
Participants express differing views on the densities of methane and hydrogen sulfide, with some asserting they are heavier than air while others clarify that methane is lighter. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these properties for their roles in global warming.
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about gas behavior, the definitions of terms like "disintegration," and the complexity of atmospheric mixing processes. These factors are not fully explored or resolved.
Methane (CH4) has a molecular mass of 12+4*1 = 16 amu. N2 has a molecular mass of 2*14 = 28 amu, and O2 has molecular mass of 2*16 = 32 amu. 16 < 28, 32, so methane is a lighter molecule than the two main constituents of air, and methane would be lighter barring any hydrogen bonding with other molecules. Also, density of methane = 0.657 kg/m³, while density of air is 1.225 kg/m³, consistent with the lighter CH4 molecule.moriah said:Summary:: Atmospheric scientists are reporting that methane is the second most prevalent gas trapped in the ozone layer.
Methane
If methane and hydrogen sulfide absorb more energy from sunlight than the air, then those molecules would diffuse into the air. If they exchange heat with the air, the warmer air rises while colder air somewhere sinks. Methane could be carried aloft with warm air, and if enough methane is present, light methane molecules displace air molecules, which makes that volume of air 'lighter', even without additional heating.moriah said:So my question is, if these gases are already disintegrated, how can they be so formidable?
This sounds like a basic misunderstanding.moriah said:Summary:: Atmospheric scientists are reporting that methane is the second most prevalent gas trapped in the ozone layer.
Methane and hydrogen sulfide are supposed to be heavier then air, thus why they remain in low lying areas. I am to believe that only when they begin to disintegrate, they rise into the atmosphere.
That answered my question very thoroughly. I was mistaken about the density of methane: it’s lighter than air. However in light of your response, density is rather irrelevant. Understanding this issue at your level of expertise is critical at this point in history.Ken Fabian said:This sounds like a basic misunderstanding.
Convection driven bulk air movements and accompanying turbulence mixes these gases at large scales, irrespective of their relative densities. Volcanic H2S from large eruptions for example is carried high into the atmosphere because of convection.
Diffusion mixes them at small scales even in still air. They don't stratify in the atmosphere although higher concentrations are near sources. "Disintegration"?