Greenhouse Gas Warming Potentials
Lesson notes
Overview
Some gases trap far more heat per molecule than CO₂ over 100 years. This topic is rated advanced and is number 96 of 98 in Earth & Space. Deeper models, formal results and harder reasoning.
What you are seeing
The panel above shows a bar chart that compares values on one scale, so differences in size are easy to see. The animation is drawn live from the model, so everything you see responds to the sliders. Press Space to pause, use Restart to replay from the start, and change the speed to slow down quick events.
In depth
The global warming potential compares the heat trapped by a gas over a period, usually 100 years, relative to CO₂, which is 1. Methane has a GWP₁₀₀ of about 28, though it is short-lived, nitrous oxide about 265, and some fluorinated gases, such as sulfur hexafluoride, over 20,000. Carbon dioxide still dominates because of the huge amounts emitted. GWP lets different gases be added together in a single CO₂-equivalent total.
Reading the relationship
The expression "GWP₁₀₀" is a compact summary of the idea. It uses the symbols G, W, P₁; name what each one stands for before you start. Then use the sliders to see how changing one quantity changes the others.
A guided exploration
1. Run the animation once with the default settings and describe in words what happens. 2. Change one slider at a time and note which quantity responds most. 3. Push each slider to its extreme and decide whether the result still makes sense.
Try this
Try to explain why the pattern holds, not just what it is. Look for limiting cases and what happens at the edges.
Common pitfalls
Earth and space systems work on very different scales of time and distance. Check which scale a number refers to before comparing it with another.
How it connects
It builds on “Urban Heat Islands”, the topic before it in Earth & Space. Once you are comfortable, continue with “Sunlight at the Planets”.
Why it matters
Earth and space science helps us understand our planet, its climate and the wider universe.
Where you might use it
- Revising “Greenhouse Gas Warming Potentials” before a class, exam or certification
- Forecasting weather and understanding climate records and their uncertainty
- Planning for earthquakes, floods and other natural hazards in cities
- Interpreting satellite images, space missions and the age of rocks and stars
Frequently asked questions
What is Greenhouse Gas Warming Potentials?
Some gases trap far more heat per molecule than CO₂ over 100 years. It is an advanced topic in Earth & Space.
How do I use the Greenhouse Gas Warming Potentials simulation?
The panel at the top shows a bar chart that compares values on one scale, so differences in size are easy to see. Move the sliders one at a time, then press Space to pause the animation and look closer.
What does the formula mean?
The expression GWP₁₀₀ packs the idea into symbols. Name each symbol first, then change one quantity with the sliders and see which others respond.
Who is this topic for?
Deeper models, formal results and harder reasoning. If the quiz feels hard, reread the lesson notes and try the previous topic first.
What should I learn before this?
Start with “Urban Heat Islands”, the previous topic in Earth & Space. Each topic in a subject builds on the ones before it.
How do I track my progress?
Press “Mark as learned” on this page. Progress is stored only in this browser and is never sent anywhere. The Browse page can show topics you have learned or still need to learn.