gen-define-the-greenhouse-effect-and-give-one-short-worked-examp-f93f

Define the greenhouse effect and give one short worked example.

# Greenhouse Effect **Definition:** The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat radiation from the planet's surface, preventing it from escaping to space and thereby warming the atmosphere and surface. ## How it works: 1. Sunlight (shortwave radiation) passes through the atmosphere and warms Earth's surface 2. Earth's surface emits heat (longwave infrared radiation) 3. Greenhouse gases (CO₂, H₂O, CH₄, etc.) absorb and re-emit this infrared radiation in all directions 4. Some radiation escapes to space, but much is redirected back toward Earth's surface, causing additional warming --- ## Worked Example **Question:** Without any greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be about -18°C. With the natural greenhouse effect, it's about +15°C. What is the warming contribution of the greenhouse effect? **Solution:** - Temperature without greenhouse effect: -18°C - Actual temperature with greenhouse effect: +15°C - Warming contribution = +15°C - (-18°C) = **+33°C** The natural greenhouse effect raises Earth's average temperature by approximately 33°C, making the planet habitable. The concern with climate change is that human activities are *enhancing* this natural effect by adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.