Which of the following gases is not a direct greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere?
Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) absorb outgoing infrared radiation and act as direct greenhouse gases. Molecular hydrogen (H2) can contribute to…
Choose your answer
Which of the following gases is not a direct greenhouse gas in Earth's atmosphere?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer A
Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) absorb outgoing infrared radiation and act as direct greenhouse gases. Molecular hydrogen (H2) can contribute to warming indirectly, for example by increasing methane's atmospheric lifetime.
Option feedback
Option A
Molecular hydrogen is not a direct greenhouse gas in the ordinary atmospheric classification. It can contribute to warming indirectly by affecting atmospheric chemistry.
Option B
Incorrect because Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas responsible for trapping terrestrial infrared radiation.
Option C
Incorrect because Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas listed under the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol.
Option D
Incorrect because Methane (CH4) is a major greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential.
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