Measuring global water vapor and formaldehyde

ScienceDaily (2010-04-14) -- Atmospheric water vapor is the most important natural greenhouse gas, accounting for about two-thirds of the natural greenhouse effect. Despite this importance, its role in climate and its reaction to climate change are still difficult to assess. Many details of the hydrological cycle are poorly understood, such as the process of cloud formation and the transport and release of latent heat contained in the water vapor. In contrast to other important greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, water vapor has a much higher temporal and spatial variability.