It has been recorded that the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere has increased by `0.6^@C`.
(a) What has caused this increase ?
(b) Explain its consequences.

Explanation

(a) The temperature of the earth's surface has increased as a result of the increased concentration of green house gases in the atmosphere. Green house gases include `CO_(2)`, methane and water vapour. There gases trap radiations released back by the earth and increase in the amount green house gases can lead to an exessive increase in the earth’s temperature, leading . to global warming.
(b) It has been observed that in the past three decades the average temperature of the earth has increased by 0.6 °C. This rise in temperatue is having an adverse effect on the environment is resulting in odd climatic changes. It results in the melting of polar ice caps and mountian glaciers, leading to a rise in sea level and inundation of coastal regions.Also it disturbs the natural water cycle resulting in changes in the pattern of rainfall.