Are greenhouse gases the only contributor to greenhouse effect?

Question

Is there anything else other than greenhouse gases that will cause greenhouse effect?

Answer 1

I would say that solar radiation and how well the earth's atmosphere reflcts (cloud cover) or absorbs this radiation are key players here.

Cloud cover is an extremely important process in the atmosphere because it so strongly determines the degree of transmission and reflection of solar radiation. Although considered to be one of the most critical unsolved problems in atmospheric science, it is not treated well, because its parameterization is so inaccurate. Yet, if it were to be seriously considered, the estimates of global warming would most likely be reduced because of the feedback process between warming and cloud cover. The more the warming, the more the cloud cover; the more the cloud cover, the less the solar transmission, and, probably, the less the warming. The real atmosphere is a very stable system, and probably will not produce the major changes predicted by the computer generated General Circulation Models, which do not include these cloud cover effects.

Answer 2

There are a few different parts to this: 1. Gases which cause the greenhouse effect - The main ones are: water, Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide, in that order. - The greenhouse effect is not a bad thing. Without it we'd be living on a frozen planet. 2. Gases which are causing an increase in the Greenhouse Effect. - The main ones are: Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Nitrous Oxide, in that order. - Change in concentration of water vapour magnifies the climate change effect of the gases above, but water vapour is not a significant cause of climate change. It's concentration is a function of temperature. - Chloroflurocarbons have been mentioned, and these are powerful greenhouse gases, but because these gases are rarer, the total impact is much smaller than those above. Increase in the greenhouse effect is a serious problem. 3. Gases which are Pollutants. This is basically a question of which gases we consider harmful. It's pretty easy to classify CFCs as pollutants, but the major greenhouse gases are not simply pollutants. We don't want a situation where there is no greenhouse effect, rather we want a situation where the greenhouse effect is maintained at a level similar to the environment we are adapted to. In some contexts we speak of Carbon Dioxide, methane and Nitrous Oxide as pollutants, because of their impact on climate, but it's important to remember that in this context, the goal is not elimination of these gases, but regulation of their prevalence.

Answer 3

Dust can play a role. A recent study says dust storms are the reason for warming on Mars.

Most of the greenhouse effect is due to water vapor, and keeps Earth warm enough for us.

The present problem is that man is creating excess greenhouse effect that will be very damaging to our modern society.

Answer 4

Other than the gases, too much of building (esp. the concrete jungles which we call cities) is a big factor. And cutting down the forests is not helping either!

Answer 5

Well, particles of dust and water vapour also would cause such an effect.
But they settle down faster than gasses. hope this helps.

Answer 6

extreme pollution of air atmosphere thru emission of smokes, carbon particles,dust particles,leads,water vapour,organisms,sand particles,atomic particles thru neuclear research and explotion can cause trapping heat in air atmosphere coming from sun-light ray and increase temperature in air atmosphere and may lead to "green-house effect" .