If the co2 absorption band in the infrared is essentially the same as water vapor, how is co2 different?

Question

Given that co2 is a trace element, around 380 ppm, but water vapor is about 100 times greater in the atmosphere, (and keeping in mind that co2 has increased from a pre-industrial "base line" of about 280 ppm- or about 30% increase- or about 1/3 of a percent when taken into account with water vapor) how does this small amount account for the rise in overall global warming- given that water vapor is in constant flux?

Answer 1

Co2 and Water vapor are both green house gases. But water vapor contains more moisture and co2 is obtained from plants

Answer 2

First, note that water vapour absorbs in the 1600 and 3400 cm-1 regions whereas carbon dioxide absorbs in the 700 and 2200 cm-1 region. The vapour spectra consist of P,Q and R branches with a large number of lines corresponding to different rotational quantum numbers. The dipoles of both molecules are large, so the absorption at the central wavelength is for all of the lines is virtually 100%. The debate about CO2 is essentially about the absorption line shape in the wings far from the central wavelength. Absorptions from CO2 and H2O overlap in the wings so the effect of increased concentration is not linear, but still much larger than your estimate. The long term averages matter more than short term fluctuations in water vapour. Radiative transport in the atmospheric is a complex subject. Please don't draw conclusions based on a simplistic model. Consult the HITRAN database for data to build a more realistic model and read the second reference for an overview.

Answer 3

it doesn;t account for a rise in global warming, the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere is far more impactive than carbon dioxide, which is one of the most commonly produced compounds on the planet
in truth, there really is no such thing as global warming, i know some of u will refuse to believe this but whether u do or dont wont make any difference to the facts
every 500 years the earths climate changes, this is why there have been times in recorded history where it was hot enough to grow grapes in england, which we cannot do yet because of the all destructive "global warming"
in my opinion, we need to focus on real environmental issues like the ozone and pollution, two issues unrelated to global warming

Answer 4

The part of the spectrum containing IR radiation is large. Water vapor is an important greenhouse gas, but so is carbon dioxide. They both trap different areas of the IR spectrum.

Answer 5

water is the most unique solution ,,it really can absorpe energy and rays and can lose as fast as it gains,, CO2 never become liquid under atmosphere pressure ,, but vapor can become liquid when condensate at atmosphere