Greenhouse Effect and Albedo

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, thus warming the planet.

Albedo is the measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. It is expressed as a percentage.

A high albedo surface reflects more sunlight, which helps to keep the area cooler compared to surfaces with low albedo that absorb more heat.

Examples include ice, snow, and light-colored materials.

Examples include forests, oceans, and dark-colored materials.

When ice melts, it reduces the Earth's albedo, leading to increased absorption of sunlight and a rise in global temperatures.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth, while global warming refers to the recent increase in Earth's average temperature due to human activities.

Increased levels of carbon dioxide enhance the greenhouse effect by trapping more heat in the atmosphere.

Natural events such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and the decomposition of organic matter release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

El Niño events typically occur every 2-7 years.