A visualization to learn about the infrared (IR) spectra of different greenhouse gases and the effect of greenhouse gases on the Earth’s climate.
Students will use the visualization to view the IR spectra of different greenhouse gases, observe the amount of IR radiation absorbed for the current concentration of greenhouse gases, and discuss the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases.
Use this tool to help your students find answers to:
- Compare the IR spectra of water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4).
- Describe the relationship between the Earth’s emission spectrum of IR and the IR spectra of greenhouse gases.
About the Tool
Tool Name | Infrared Spectral Windows |
Discipline | Physics |
Topic(s) in Discipline | Electromagnetic Radiation; Infrared Radiation; Emission Spectrum |
Climate Topic | The Greenhouse Effect, Climate and the Atmosphere |
Type of Tool | Interactive Visualization |
Grade Level | High School; Undergraduate |
Location | Global |
Language | English |
Translation | |
Developed by | Amanda Thompson, Katrina Genuis, Joseph Zondervan, Rachel Hislop-Hook, McKenzie Oliver, Dr. Peter Mahaffy and Dr. Brian Martin at The King’s Centre for Visualization in Science |
Hosted at | The King’s Centre for Visualization in Science |
Link | Link |
Access | Online |
Computer Skills | Basic |