Changes

no edit summary
Line 11: Line 11:     
:[[Computer model]]s suggest that a doubling of the concentration of the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, may raise the [[average global temperature]] between 1 and 3° Celsius. However, the numeric equations of computer models do not accurately simulate the effects of a number of possible [[negative feedback]]s. For example, many of the models cannot properly simulate the negative effects that increased [[cloud cover]] would have on the [[radiation balance]] of a warmer Earth. Increasing the Earth's temperature would cause the [[ocean]]s to evaporate greater amounts of water, causing the atmosphere to become cloudier. These extra clouds would then reflect a greater proportion of the Sun's energy back to space reducing the amount of [[solar radiation]] absorbed by the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. With less solar energy being absorbed at the surface, the effects of an enhanced greenhouse effect may be counteracted.<ref>http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7h.html</ref>
 
:[[Computer model]]s suggest that a doubling of the concentration of the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, may raise the [[average global temperature]] between 1 and 3° Celsius. However, the numeric equations of computer models do not accurately simulate the effects of a number of possible [[negative feedback]]s. For example, many of the models cannot properly simulate the negative effects that increased [[cloud cover]] would have on the [[radiation balance]] of a warmer Earth. Increasing the Earth's temperature would cause the [[ocean]]s to evaporate greater amounts of water, causing the atmosphere to become cloudier. These extra clouds would then reflect a greater proportion of the Sun's energy back to space reducing the amount of [[solar radiation]] absorbed by the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. With less solar energy being absorbed at the surface, the effects of an enhanced greenhouse effect may be counteracted.<ref>http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7h.html</ref>
 +
 +
Some scientists have tried to use [[Venus]] as an example of a planet where a runaway greenhouse effect has already occurred. However, Venus has many differences with Earth, including a lack of plate tectonics which make the comparison faulty.
    
==See also==
 
==See also==