Question map
Consider the following which can be found in the ambient atmosphere: 1. Soot 2. Sulphur hexafluoride 3. Water vapour Which of the above contribute to the warming up of the atmosphere?
Explanation
All three listed constituents contribute to atmospheric warming. Soot (black carbon) is a light‑absorbing particulate (not a gas) that directly warms the atmosphere and can accelerate melting when deposited on snow and ice [1]. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is an anthropogenic, very potent and long‑lived greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential, so its presence contributes to radiative forcing despite low concentrations [2]. Water vapour is the largest single contributor to the natural greenhouse effect and acts as a strong, fast feedback (its atmospheric abundance increases with temperature, amplifying warming from other gases) [3]. Thus 1, 2 and 3 all contribute to atmospheric warming, via different mechanisms and timescales.
Sources
- [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > 17.3.6. Black Carbon > p. 258
- [2] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 29: Environment Issues and Health Effects > Greenhouse gases (GHGS) > p. 426
- [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > r7.3.r. Water vapour > p. 255