Natural Greenhouse Effect Flashcards
1
Q
Why do greenhouse gases have the ability to trap heat in the atmosphere?f
A
Because they are denser than other gases.
2
Q
Describe the process of the natural greenhouse effect.
A
Heat energy from the Sun warms the planet, but without the atmospheric greenhouse gases, this would not be enough to support life.
The heat energy that is reflected back towards space from the Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere has a relatively long wavelength, so it has difficulty travelling through denser gases and is absorbed by them.
3
Q
How much colder would the earth be without the natural greenhouse effect?
A
21 degrees Celsius lower.
