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The natural greenhouse effect is caused by molecules of gases (water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and others) suspended in the upper atmosphere. These molecules absorb infrared light (heat), whereas nitrogen and oxygen let it pass. Some heat is reflected back into space by water vapor, but the primary greenhouse gases prevent much of it from escaping the atmosphere. Infrared light may then absorbed into the ocean or ground. This greenhouse effect has kept the earth reasonably warm for two billion years.

The enhanced greenhouse effect (which is what has happened due to deforestation (clear cutting forests), burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), and other human activity is causing global warming and climate change. All this results in a thicker layer of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, meaning that more solar heat is trapped by Earth's atmosphere. Earth has been warming especially quickly since 1980 - and this warming results in climate change.

Climate change implies weather patterns, including rainfall, are altered. The temperature increase may have a dramatic affect on wildlife, especially animals that thrive in or require very cold, or very hot climates. Melting glacial ice will result in sea level rise. Winters may become shorter and harsher. Summers are expected to grow increasingly hotter. Hurricanes and tornadoes may become gradually stronger, more common, and their range increase.

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Related Questions

Trapping of heat in the earths atmosphere by certain gases is known as the?

greenhouse effect


What is a sentence with greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the natural way that the Earth keeps warm. Too many extra greenhouse gases turn the greenhouse effect into an enhanced greenhouse effect. The enhanced, or accelerated, greenhouse effect is causing global warming.


How do you use The greenhouse effect in a sentence?

the greenhouse effect is a global phenomenon.


What do humans do to effect the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect keeps us all warm enough for life.The enhanced greenhouse effect causes global warming.


The trapping of heat by a planet's atmosphere is called what?

The trapping of heat by a planet's atmosphere is called the greenhouse effect. This occurs when gases like carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere trap heat radiating from the planet's surface, leading to a warming effect.


The natural situation in which heat is retained by the atmosphere is the?

the greenhouse effect


What planet has an atmosphere with a greenhouse effect?

EarthVenusMarsThe greenhouse effect occurs on every planet with an atmosphere (including Earth). On Venus, there is a runaway greenhouse effect causing temperatures high enough to melt lead.Mars has a greenhouse effect that is weak because of its thin atmosphere.


What is another name for enhanced greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which greenhouse gases keep the earth's temperature at a comfortable level suitable for human existence. The enhanced greenhouse effect is the increase in greenhouse gases that is leading to global warming. The term "enhanced greenhouse effect" is also referred to as the "anthropogenic greenhouse effect" and is the idea that humans may have an effect on global climate. It is also referred to as the "runaway greenhouse effect".


What does the greenhouse effect help do?

The normal greenhouse effect keeps the earth warm enough for life.The enhanced, or accelerated greenhouse effect, is causing global warming.


What causes the greenhouse effect and how does it affect earths atmosphere?

The greenhouse effect is caused by greenhouse gases that absorb infrared rays and thereby keep the earth warmer than it otherwise would be. The greenhouse effect is important to life on earth. Without greenhouse gases, there would be global cooling and life as we know it would no longer be possible. With increased levels of greenhouse gases, there is global warming and undesirable climate change.


What is the trapping of heat near a planet's surface by certain gases in the planet's atmosphere?

We call it the greenhouse effect, which is natural, or the enhanced (or accelerated) greenhouse effect which is causing global warming.


Does a planet need an atmosphere to have an Greenhouse Effect?

Yes, there must be greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Without a greenhouse effect the planet would be unable to sustain life. The greenhouse effect is required for life as we know it.