What are some sources of water vapor in the air?
Quick Answer
Evaporation from large bodies of water, such as tropical seas and lakes is one of the sources of water vapor in the air. Other sources include the natural biological processes of plants and animals, such as respiration and transpiration.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Atmospheric water vapor can also result from human activities, such as farming, the watering of lawns and landscaping. Additional sources of water vapor include man-made geographical alterations, such as the evaporated water from canals, artificial lakes and reservoirs behind dams.
Water vapor is also a by-product of combustion; the burning of natural gas, petroleum and other fossil fuels also contributes to the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. Extraction of water from underground sources such as aquifers for drinking and irrigation is another anthropogenic source of water vapor.
Water vapor is the Earth’s most abundant greenhouse gas, accounting for over 95% of the greenhouse effect, according to NOAA. Although this gas is so critical to the future of the Earth’s climate, very little can be done to alter the Earth’s natural water cycle and significantly change the amount of water vapor in the air. All human contributions to atmospheric water vapor account for a mere 0.001% of the total amount in the atmosphere.
Learn more about BiologyRelated Questions
-
Q:
Why do animals need water?
A: Animals need water in order for their bodies and brains to function properly because without water they will become dehydrated, malnourished and will ultim... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What adaptations do plants and animals have in saltwater biomes?
A: Animals and plants that live in saltwater biomes feature adaptations designed to prevent osmosis from equalizing the salt concentration throughout their bo... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are different types of water sources?
A: From water vapor in the atmosphere and ice in glaciers to all forms of liquid water in between, water sources are numerable and vary. The types of water so... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where do marine biologists work?
A: Marine biologists work in wide ranging environments from offices to laboratories to bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes. The location depends on the s... Full Answer >Filed Under:
