RELATIVE INFLUENCES ON THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT
FIGURE 14.11 Water vapor and clouds jointly produce approximately 75% of the greenhouse effect, while carbon dioxide and other gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, are responsible for 20% and 5%, respectively. Unlike water vapor, carbon dioxide does not condense into liquid and precipitate at temperatures found in Earth’s atmosphere. Therefore, like a thermostat, carbon dioxide (along with some other trace gases) sets the level of the greenhouse effect, while water vapor and clouds amplify their effects. (Data from Lacis et al., 2010)