The simple answer is that the greenhouse effect is a process that occurs in the atmosphere that reflects some of the heat radiated from the Earth's surface. This is similar to how a greenhouse 'traps' warmth, thus the name.
This happens due to the ability of some gas molecules to absorb and radiate heat energy. Such molecules are carbon dioxide, methane, sulphur dioxide, and water. A lot of these molecules occur naturally in the Earth's atmosphere. And therefore, the greenhouse effect is partially a natural process. However, mankind also produces these types of molecules due to their own activity, increasing the amount of heat trapped.
This has led to the 'greenhouse effect' or, worse still, the term 'global warming' to mean only mankind's involvement in this process. People tend to think that global warming will mean that the earth will get a few degrees warmer. What in fact is happening is that more energy is being put into the Earth's weather systems, with really unpredictable results. It might be that what we're doing is driving the planet to the next ice-age.
If you want to get an idea of 'the absolute worst possible case scenario', read up upon the atmospheric conditions of the planet Venus. Venus has an amazingly high green-house effect, and temperatures on the planet's surface are hot enough to melt lead.
At present we have an enhanced (or runaway) greenhouse effect. This is caused by all the extra carbon dioxide that man has put into the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution, when we began burning coal, first for industry, then transport and the generation of electricity. The carbon dioxide from fossil fuel has been underground for millions of years, so it has not been part of the normal carbon cycle which keeps the planet warm. This enhanced greenhouse effect is causing the warming of the planet, with the ten hottest years on record all occurring since 1995.
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.
the greenhouse effect is a global phenomenon.
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".
The natural greenhouse effect keeps the earth warm enough for life.The enhanced (or accelerated) greenhouse effect (caused by burning fossil fuels and deforestation) leads to global warming and climate change.(There is also the very dangerous runaway greenhouse effect that happened on Venus.)
yes
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.
the greenhouse effect is a global phenomenon.
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 greenhouse effect keeps us all warm enough for life.The enhanced greenhouse effect causes global warming.
Only Venus and Earth have a greenhouse effect because they have a substantial atmosphere. Venus actually has a runaway greenhouse effect causing its surface temperatures to rise to 450 Celsius.
the 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.
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".
The normal greenhouse effect keeps the earth warm enough for life.The enhanced, or accelerated greenhouse effect, is causing global warming.
We call it the greenhouse effect, which is natural, or the enhanced (or accelerated) greenhouse effect which is causing global warming.