How does the greenhouse effect contribute to global warming?
Description:
Trapping of heat by greenhouse gases
Explanation:
The greenhouse effect contributes to global warming by trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere. Here's how it works:
Solar Radiation: The Sun emits energy that reaches the Earth's surface, warming it.
Infrared Radiation: The Earth's surface emits this energy back into space as infrared radiation (heat).
Greenhouse Gases: Gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), water vapor (H₂O), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) absorb and re-emit some of this infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere.
This trapped heat leads to an increase in global temperatures, a phenomenon known as global warming.
Ozone depletion: While this affects the atmosphere, it primarily leads to increased UV radiation reaching Earth, not directly causing the greenhouse effect.
Reflection of solar radiation: This is related to Earth's albedo effect, which cools the planet by reflecting sunlight, counteracting warming to some extent.