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| Water Vapor | |||||||||||||||
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| www.lenntech.com/water-chemistry-FAQ.htm | |||||||||||||||
| Basic Information: Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Its formula is H2O. American Heritage dictionary defines water vapor as "Water in a gaseous state, especially when diffused as a vapor in the atmosphere and at a temperature below boiling point." | |||||||||||||||
| Emissions: Water vapor is mainly produced by the evaporation of oceans and other bodies of water. This is part of the normal water cycle. Geothermal energy is another source of water vapor. However, this produces such a miniscule amount that human activities do not really have an effect on levels of water vapor. | |||||||||||||||
| Role in Global Warming: Water vapor, a natural greenhouse gas, plays a large part in warming the earth, magnifying the effects of artificial greenhouse gases and absorbing infrared radiation. Although humans are not really responsible for contributing water vapor to the atmosphere, we are guilty of warming it up. As the atmosphere warms up, it can hold larger quantities of water vapor, increasing its magnification effects. This process is called a "positive feedback loop," in which the warm air can hold more water vapor, but the increase in water vapor makes the air warmer. In fact, water vapor produces up to 2/3 of the greenhouse effect. | |||||||||||||||
| Greenhouse Gases | Chem X Home | ||||||||||||||