Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

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.

Front

What is albedo?

Back

Albedo is the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface. A high albedo means more sunlight is reflected, while a low albedo means more sunlight is absorbed.

Front

How does melting polar icecaps affect Earth's albedo?

Back

Melting polar icecaps decreases Earth's albedo because ice, which has a high albedo, is replaced by water or land, which have lower albedo.

Front

What are greenhouse gases?

Back

Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Key examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.

Front

Which gas is NOT a greenhouse gas?

Back

Nitrogen is not a greenhouse gas.

Front

What role does carbon dioxide play in the greenhouse effect?

Back

Carbon dioxide absorbs infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface, trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

Back

The primary source of energy for Earth's climate system is solar energy from the sun.

Front

How does solar energy interact with Earth's surface?

Back

Solar energy can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted by Earth's surface, influencing temperature and climate.

Front

What happens to solar energy that is reflected by ice?

Back

Solar energy reflected by ice contributes to a cooling effect, as it prevents heat from being absorbed by the surface.

Front

What is visible light?

Back

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by the human eye, and it is the main source of warmth from the sun.