Greenhouse Effect

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Solar Radiation Noun

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[soh-ler rey-dee-ey-shuhn]

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Solar Radiation

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Energy emitted by the sun as heat and light, which travels through space and is absorbed by the Earth's surface.

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Example: The Sun sends out energy as waves, called solar radiation, which travel through space and deliver heat and light to the Earth.

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Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muhs-feer]

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Atmosphere

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The layer of gases surrounding the Earth that acts as insulation, moderating temperature and keeping the planet warm.

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Example: The atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds Earth, trapping some of the sun's heat to keep the planet warm, as shown here.

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Greenhouse Effect Noun

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[green-hous ih-fekt]

Back

Greenhouse Effect

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The natural warming process of the atmosphere caused by the trapping of heat radiated from Earth's surface by certain gases.

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Example: Sunlight warms the Earth's surface, which then radiates heat. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some of this outgoing heat, keeping the planet warm.

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Greenhouse Gas Noun

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[green-hous gas]

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Greenhouse Gas

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A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation, trapping heat and contributing to the warming of the planet.

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Example: Gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide (CO2), trap heat from the sun's radiation, which warms the Earth much like a greenhouse.

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Radiation Noun

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[rey-dee-ey-shuhn]

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Radiation

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The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or particles, such as the heat sent out from the Earth's surface.

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Example: The Sun sends energy to Earth in the form of electromagnetic waves, a process called radiation. This is the primary way Earth receives heat.

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Troposphere Noun

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[troh-puh-sfeer]

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Troposphere

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The lowest region of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface, where weather occurs and heat is trapped.

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Example: This diagram shows the Troposphere as the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, located just above the planet's surface.

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Earth's Heat Budget Noun

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[urths heet buhj-it]

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Earth's Heat Budget

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The balance between the amount of incoming solar energy absorbed by Earth and the amount of energy radiated back out.

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Example: Earth's heat budget balances incoming solar energy with outgoing heat. The diagram shows energy being reflected, absorbed, and radiated back, with greenhouse gases trapping some heat.

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Noun

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[kahr-buhn dahy-ok-sahyd]

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

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A primary greenhouse gas released through natural processes and human activities like burning fossil fuels, trapping atmospheric heat.

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Example: This diagram shows sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), like animals and factories, and how it is absorbed by plants and oceans in the carbon cycle.

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Methane (CH4) Noun

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[meth-eyn]

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Methane (CH4)

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A potent greenhouse gas produced by natural sources and human activities that is highly effective at trapping atmospheric heat.

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Example: This image shows that methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas, is produced by livestock like cows as part of their digestive process.

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Ozone (O3) Noun

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[oh-zohn]

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Ozone (O3)

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A reactive gas that acts as a greenhouse gas in the lower atmosphere but blocks harmful UV rays higher up.

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Example: This diagram shows that ozone's effect depends on its location: it is protective ('good') high in the stratosphere but harmful ('bad') near the ground.