Arrange the following greenhouse gases in the increasing order of the...
- The Global Warming Potential (GWP) was developed to allow comparisons of the global warming impacts of different gases.
- Specifically, it is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2).
- The larger the GWP, the more that a given gas warms the Earth compared to CO2 over that time period.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2), by definition, has a GWP of 1 regardless of the time period used, because it is the gas being used as the reference.
- Methane (CH4) is estimated to have a GWP of 28–36 over 100 years.
- Methane emitted today lasts about a decade on average, which is much less time than Carbon dioxide.
- But Methane also absorbs much more energy than Carbon Dioxide. The net effect of the shorter lifetime and higher energy absorption is reflected in the GWP. The CH4 GWP also accounts for some indirect effects, such as the fact that CH4 is a precursor to ozone, and ozone is itself a Green House Gas.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O) has a GWP 265–298 times that of CO2 for a 100-year timescale.
- N2O emitted today remains in the atmosphere for more than 100 years, on average.
Arrange the following greenhouse gases in the increasing order of the...
The correct answer is option 'B': 1-3-2.
Explanation:
Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of how much a given amount of a greenhouse gas is estimated to contribute to global warming over a specific time period, relative to the same amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). GWP values are typically calculated for a 100-year time horizon.
1. Carbon Dioxide:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most well-known greenhouse gas and is responsible for the majority of human-induced global warming. It is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as deforestation. Carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1, as it serves as the baseline against which other greenhouse gases are compared.
2. Methane:
Methane (CH4) is the primary component of natural gas and is also released during the production and transport of coal, oil, and gas. It is emitted by livestock, agricultural practices, landfills, and the decay of organic waste. Methane has a GWP of 25, meaning it is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.
3. Nitrous Oxide:
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is mainly released from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. It is also produced by the nitrogen cycle, including natural processes in soil and water. Nitrous oxide has a GWP of 298, making it nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Therefore, arranging the greenhouse gases in increasing order of their GWP, we get: Carbon Dioxide (1) - Nitrous Oxide (3) - Methane (2).
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