What is the “greenhouse effect” and how does it affect climate?
The greenhouse effect describes the way that the atmosphere insulates the planet from heat loss, much like a blanket on our bed insulates our bodies from heat loss. The small concentrations of greenhouse gases that are naturally within the atmosphere allow most sunlight to pass through the atmosphere to heat the planet. However, these gases absorb much of the outgoing heat energy radiated by the earth itself, and return much of this energy back towards the surface. This keeps the surface much warmer than if they were absent. This process is referred to as the greenhouse effect because it resembles the role of glass in a greenhouse.
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- Top of PageWhat is the "greenhouse effect" and how does it affect climate?
- What is the "greenhouse effect" and how does it affect climate?
