Which one of the following greenhouse gases is in largest concentration in the atmosphere?
[amp_mcq option1=”Chlorofluorocarbon” option2=”Nitrous oxide” option3=”Carbon dioxide” option4=”Methane” correct=”option3″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2018
– Common greenhouse gases include water vapor (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), ozone (O₃), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
– While water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas overall, its concentration is highly variable and often considered separately when discussing anthropogenic emissions.
– Among the options listed (excluding water vapor), carbon dioxide (CO₂) has by far the highest concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere. Its concentration is currently over 400 parts per million (ppm).
– Methane (CH₄) concentration is around 1.9 ppm, Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is around 0.34 ppm, and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are present in much lower concentrations (parts per billion or trillion).
– The concentrations of these gases are monitored globally by various scientific bodies.