Question

8. One of the lowest layers of Earth's atmosphere has undergone a large increase in temperature

Answer 1

Answer:

Troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere that has undergone a large increase in temperature due to the  presence of greenhouse gases.

Explanation:

Troposphere (0 to 12 km) where we live is the lowest layer of earth's atmosphere, which is closest to the earth's surface contains half of the atmosphere. Here most clouds are found and almost all weather occurs. Atmosphere contains approximately 78% of nitrogen , 21% of oxygen and 0.9% of argon. Gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane, ozone and the water vapor constitutes the rest of the atmosphere. Many small particles called aerosols are also there which include dust, spores, pollen, volcanic ash, smoke etc.The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that keeps the temperature on the earth suitable for supporting life. The greenhouse gases includes both natural and man-made gases like carbon dioxide , methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, ozone, water vapour. They absorb radiation in the atmosphere and create the green house effect. The thermal infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere is absorbed by greenhouse gases. They trap heat within the surface-troposphere system preventing it from escaping back into space. This is called the greenhouse effect, which increases the temperature of the lower atmosphere.The increase in the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases due to human activity has caused an increase in the natural greenhouse effect. As a result, the atmosphere is trapping too much heat which increases the temperature of the Earth.