Besides the atmosphere, Earth has several other reservoirs of CO 2 including vegetation and the oceans. Oceans constitute by far the largest reservoir, however. Atmospheric CO 2 dissolves into surface waters, and over time, ocean circulation carries it to great depths and distant locations. Eventually, biochemical processes may turn it into shells and sediments that drift toward the bottom of the oceans. Because high levels of greenhouse gases may have a significant effect on climate, vegetation, and other aspects of our lives, it is important to determine when major increases will occur.
Predictions become more complicated when they take other greenhouse gases into account.
While increasing CO 2 is expected to be the main factor in enhancing Earth's atmospheric greenhouse, gases like methane, nitrous oxide and the CFCs almost certainly will contribute to changing climate as well. How quickly these gases will increase is also uncertain. The GISS computer model is close to the higher end of this range. Overall, rain and perhaps snow at high altitudes may increase, but this trend may not appear everywhere. Snow cover may recede.