Forrest Mims' Science Experiments

Chapter 9 Track the Leading Greenhouse Gas

For as little as $20, you can begin tracking the atmosphere’s most important greenhouse gas, water vapor. And you can do so at any time, day or night, so long as the sky directly above you is cloud-free. This is a remarkable capability, especially since your measurements can have real scientific value if you make them at least once a day, weather permitting, from the same location.

Greenhouse Gases

The gases in the atmosphere that contribute to the warming of Earth are known as greenhouse gases. The best-known greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, which plays crucial roles in the cycle of life. Every flower, fruit, tree, and animal is partially built from carbon extracted from the atmosphere. While carbon ...