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Provide answers for the questions Regarding Water Vapor: Characterize the absorption spectrum of water vapor in the IR portion of the EM spectrum

Earth Science

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Provide answers for the questions

1. Regarding Water Vapor:
   1. Characterize the absorption spectrum of water vapor in the IR portion of the EM spectrum.
   2. Based on this characterization, is water vapor considered a ‘greenhouse-active gas’?
   3. Assume: “For any given temperature, Earth’s atmosphere has a finite capacity to ‘carry’ water vapor.” Identify at least two processes that serve to ‘regulate’ the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere.
   4. Based on this investigation, what are the implications for water vapor as an agent of climate change?
2. Regarding Carbon Dioxide:
   1. Characterize the absorption spectrum of Carbon Dioxide in the IR portion of the EM spectrum.
   2. Based on this characterization, is Carbon Dioxide considered a ‘greenhouse-active gas’?
   3. State the percentage of CO2 in the Venutian and Martian atmospheres.
   4. Restate your Lab 1, Part 1 estimate for the current value for the [CO2].
3. Compare and contrast water vapor and Carbon Dioxide:
   1. Can a single absorption band distinguish between water vapor and Carbon Dioxide?
   2. How does use of the entire absorption spectrum for each of these gases affect your ability to make a clear distinction?
   3. Explain the ongoing and pressing concern with anthropogenic emissions of Carbon Dioxide relative to water vapor.