There are greenhouse gases other than CO2, including methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which have potential to influence changes in Earth's climate
Compare the graphs
shown below measuring CO2 levels and N2O levels in the atmosphere between 1978 and
2010. CO2 plays a role in the carbon cycle, whereas N2O is a product of the nitrogen cycle.
The latter results primarily from agricultural practices that utilize nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Because N2O stays in the atmosphere for about 120 years before undergoing a biochemical
conversion or being removed by a reservoir, the impact of one pound of N2O on the warming
of Earth's atmosphere is over 300 times that of the equivalent amount of CO2
http://www.epa.gov http://www.epa.gov. Thus, it becomes important to understand
atmospheric gas trends and take these results into account when making decisions about
human activities detrimental to Earth's climate.
Reference: Ref 25-6
While both graphs show an upward trend, N2O levels (right panel) do not oscillate
annually like CO2 levels (left panel). What may account for this difference? Select all
plausible choices.
What will be an ideal response?
The biological processes in the nitrogen cycle that affect N2O levels do not fluctuate
according to season during the year.
Oscillations likely cannot be observed on a 30-year time scale due to the stability of N2O in
the atmosphere.
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