The natural process of the atmosphere heating through the trapping of ...
The 'greenhouse effect' is an atmospheric heating phenomenon in which the Earth experiences rise in temperature because certain gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane) in the atmosphere allow incoming sunlight to passthrough but trap heat radiated from the earth's surface.
The natural process of the atmosphere heating through the trapping of ...
The Greenhouse Effect
The natural process of the atmosphere heating through the trapping of re-radiated infrared radiation is known as the greenhouse effect. This process is named after a greenhouse, which works in a similar way to the atmosphere. A greenhouse traps heat from the sun's radiation inside, creating a warm environment for plants to grow. The atmosphere similarly traps heat radiated from the Earth's surface, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.
How it works:
- The sun's energy enters the Earth's atmosphere in the form of visible light and ultraviolet radiation.
- The Earth's surface absorbs this energy and then re-radiates it back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation.
- Some of this infrared radiation escapes back into space, but some of it is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.
- The absorbed radiation causes these greenhouse gases to vibrate and release energy in all directions, including back towards the Earth's surface.
- This process of trapping heat by greenhouse gases is what keeps the Earth's temperature within a range that supports life.
Human Impact:
Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. This enhanced effect is causing the Earth's temperature to rise, leading to changes in climate patterns, such as increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events. This phenomenon is known as global warming.