Let's fill in the blanks based on the given information:
1. First blank: We need to determine the flow rate of methane. Using the given data, we have a residence time of 8 years and a mass of [tex]\(4.3 \times 10^{15}\)[/tex] grams. The flow rate can be calculated using the formula [tex]\(T = \frac{m}{f}\)[/tex], rearranged to [tex]\(f = \frac{m}{T}\)[/tex]. Calculating this, we find:
[tex]\[ f = \frac{4.3 \times 10^{15} \text{ g}}{8 \text{ years}} = 5.375 \times 10^{14} \text{ g/year} \][/tex]
Thus, the flow rate of methane is [tex]\(5.375 \times 10^{14} \text{ g/year}\)[/tex].
2. Second blank: Methane has a longer residence time than [tex]\( \text{CO}_2 \)[/tex].
3. Third blank: Given that methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat effectively, its presence in the atmosphere raises the temperature of the reservoir.
Considering these points, Martha’s report would be:
Landfill Methane
Humans produce a huge amount of waste every day. Landfills were designed to combat this large amount of waste by accumulating and disposing it. Organic waste from landfills undergoes decomposition in the absence of oxygen, producing gases. Methane gas is a large percentage of the gases emitted from landfills.
If we consider a landfill a reservoir, the flow rate of methane is [tex]\(537500000000000.0\)[/tex] g/year. Methane has a longer residence time than [tex]\( \text{CO}_2 \)[/tex], and it is a greenhouse gas that traps heat very effectively. Therefore, methane raises the temperature of the reservoir.
