the warming of the Earth by the atmosphere because of water vapor and gases such as carbon dioxide, which absorb and emit infrared radiation, or heat. Thus, the high-energy photons such as light and ultraviolet radiation are passed through the atmosphere to the Earth, which tends to absorb them and emit lower-energy photons which are then captured in the atmosphere and partially sent back to Earth. As the presence of infrared absorbers rises in the atmosphere, the more solar energy is retained at heat in the atmosphere and on the surface of the Earth. Because glass also passes light and tends to absorb and reflect heat, this effect is compared to that of a greenhouse.

A warming of the Earth's surface and lower layers of the atmosphere caused by interaction of solar radiation with atmospheric gases (mainly carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor) and its conversion to heat because it is transparent to incoming visible radiation but opaque to the infrared radiation that is emitted by the surface of the planet.

A greenhouse is warmed because glass allows the sun's radiant heat to enter but prevents radiant heat from leaving. Global warming is caused by some gases in the atmosphere that like greenhouse glass, hence, the term greenhouse effect.

the warming of the planet caused by chemicals that trap heat in the air; some causes include car exhaust, factory smoke, and burning rain forests....... back

the heating of the earth's surface by both atmospheric infrared radiation and incoming solar radiation.

water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere influence the heat ballance of the planet by allowing incoming solar radiation to pass through but restrict passage of reflected or emmitted radiation from the surface - this has the effect of trapping heat within the atmosphere which keeps the Earth's temperature relatively warm

the warming of the earth by reemitted infrared radiation

The trapping around Earth of the heat from the sun by gases, such as carbon dioxide.

Heating effect exerted by the atmosphere upon the earth because the atmosphere absorbs and reemits infrared radiation.

A warming effect of the Earth's atmosphere and surface, due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The effect of the earth's atmosphere on the sun's radiation coming and going from the earth. Most of the sun's rays coming in pass readily through the atmosphere, but those that are reflected back from the earth are trapped in the atmosphere. So the atmosphere acts like the glass in a greenhouse, because it traps the sun's energy. See Global Warming

the process that raises the temperature of air in the lower atmosphere due to heat trapped by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and ozone.

The tendency of the atmosphere to be transparent to shortwave solar radiation but opaque to longwave terrestrial radiation, leading to a warming of the atmosphere.

a warming of the earth produced by the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere

Generally, the process by which atmospheric gases, especially carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, and cloroflourocarbons, block the escape of heat from the atmosphere, and thereby warm the surface of the earth.

Some gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, absorb heat energy and hold it in the atmosphere raising the surface temperature of a planet.

The heating of the earth's atmosphere caused by the increased levels of carbon dioxide, which prevents the escape of reflected solar energy.

The heating of the lower atmosphere that results when short-wave solar radiation reflected from the surface of the earth is trapped in the atmosphere by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

An increase in the atmospheric temperature caused by increasing amounts of carbon dioxide and certain other gases that absorb and trap heat radiation, which normally escapes from Earth.

accumulation of heat in the lower atmosphere

A warming of the atmosphere caused by carbon dioxide and water vapor in the lower portions of the atmosphere capturing heat that is radiated from and reflected by Earth's surface.

1. The warming of earth's surface and lower atmosphere as a result of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the atmosphere, which absorb and reradiate infrared radiation. 2. An intensification of this warming effect brought about by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, resulting from the burning of fossil fuels.

The heating of the atmosphere by the absorption of infrared energy re-emitted by the Earth as it receives light energy in the visible band from the Sun.

The process whereby a portion of the solar heat and energy traveling through the Earth's atmosphere toward the earth's surface is prevented from radiating back into outer space by a variety of gases (e.g., water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases).

the presence of trace atmospheric gases make the earth warmer than would direct sunlight alone. These gases (carbon dioxide [CO2], methane [CH4], nitrous oxide [N2O], tropospheric ozone [O3], and water vapour [H2O]) allow visible light and ultraviolet light (shortwave radiation) to pass through the atmosphere and heat the earth's surface. This heat is re-radiated from the earth in the form of infrared energy (longwave radiation). The greenhouse gases absorb part of that energy before it escapes into space. This process of trapping the longwave radiation is known as the greenhouse effect. HDR (hot dry rock): subsurface geologic formations of abnormally high heat content that contain little or no water.

The warming of a planet's atmosphere caused when certain gases (especially water vapor and carbon dioxide) absorb solar energy reflected off the surface.

The phenomenon in which outgoing infrared radiation that would normally exit from a planet's atmosphere but instead, is trapped or reflected because of the presence of the atmosphere and its components (see below) is called the greenhouse effect. It has been calculated that this effect is necessary to maintain the earth's climate and surface temperature and, more importantly, the liquid state of water in the majority of the earth's biosphere; however, the best scientific estimates to date suggest that increasing amounts of greenhouse gases are resulting in higher temperatures worldwide. This could result in melting of icecaps that would raise the sea level and cause devastating floods in coastal areas, more extremes in rainfall and intensity, and the distribution of species in the biosphere. [The Greenhouse Effect; Matthew Kreljic, ed.; 1992; HW Wilson Co.; New York.] [Climatic Change; v20: p. iii-vii: 1992.

is a natural occurrence whereby the sun's warmth is trapped in the lower atmosphere of the earth by a number of gases. These gases let solar radiation through but reflect back the warmth radiated from the earth.

Natural effect that releases heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the earth's surface. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and several other gases in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) absorb some of the infrared radiation (heat) radiated by the earth's surface. This causes their molecules to vibrate and transform the absorbed energy into longer-wavelength infrared radiation (heat) in the troposphere. If the atmospheric concentrations of these greenhouse gases rise and they are not removed by other natural processes, the average temperature of the lower atmosphere will increase gradually. Compare global warming.

A warming effect that follows when light and heat can pass through a barrier into an object, but not out again.

the effect produced as certain atmospheric gases allow incoming solar radiation to pass through to Earth's surface, but prevent the outgoing (infrared) radiation, which is re-radiated from Earth, from escaping into outer space. The effect is responsible for warming the planet.

The traping of infrared radiation by an atmosphere (or greenhouse), thus causing greater surface heating than would normally be the case if the infrared radiation could escape directly into space.

the natural warming of the earth's atmosphere as a consequence of particular gases in the atmosphere which retard the escape of heat radiation (see also Enhanced Greenhouse Effect)

the gradual warming of the air around the Earth, thought to be caused by the increased level of gases such as carbon dioxide in the air ..... return

warming of Earth caused by increased concentrations of radiant-heat-trapping atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide — — CLOSE

A rise in the earth's temperature caused when the atmosphere acts like greenhouse glass and traps heat. The term also indicates the effect that atmospheric carbon dioxide and other pollutants can have on fauna and flora.

The tendency of the Earth’s atmosphere to retain heat due to the properties of certain of its constituent

The warming of the planet caused by chemicals which trap heat in the air. This process is being sped up by humans who put too many heat-trapping chemicals into the air. Some causes include car exhaust, factory smoke, and burning rainforests.

The heating of Earth's atmosphere by gases that are transparent to sunlight but opaque to radiated heat. Gross primary production • The total energy captured by plants growing in a particular area.

Process by which heat is trapped near the Earth's surface by certain gases in the atmosphere, called greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect is linked to global warming.

The name given to the ability of the atmosphere to be selective in its response to different types of radiation. Incoming short-wave solar radiation is transmitted unaltered to heat the earth's surface. Some of the returning long-wave terrestrial radiation is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere. This causes the temperature of the atmosphere to rise. Some of the energy absorbed is returned to the earth's surface, and the net effect is to maintain the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere system higher than it would be without the greenhouse effect. The process has been compared to the way a greenhouse works, allowing sunlight in, but trapping the long-wave radiation inside.

The partial trapping of solar radiation by a planetary atmosphere, similar to the trapping of heat in a greenhouse.

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere allow short wavelength solar radiation to reach the Earth but retain radiation of longer wavelength, which causes warming of the atmosphere. Water vapour and carbon dioxide are among the main greenhouse gases

The overall warming of the earth's lower atmosphere. It occurs when carbon dioxide and water vapor, which initially permit the sun's rays to heat the earth, then trap the heat near the earth's surface.

Light energy from the sun passes through the atmosphere to warm the Earth's surface. In turn, the land and oceans release infrared radiation or heat into the atmosphere, balancing the incoming energy. The blanket of gases covering the Earth traps some of this radiation while the rest is re-radiated towards space. This absorption of heat maintains the Earth's surface temperature at a level necessary to support life. This natural process is called the greenhouse effect.

The warming of the atmosphere by the trapping of longwave radiation being radiated to space. The gases most responsible for this effect are water vapor and carbon dioxide.

The process whereby short-wave radiation passes readily through the earth's atmosphere to surface areas, whereas the longer-wave outgoing radiation is absorbed and reradiated by water vapor, droplets and carbon dioxide, thus retaining heat in the atmosphere.

A global warming effect in which carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb infrared radiation from Earth's surface and radiate it back to the surface.

The natural effect of gases that act like a greenhouse, trapping heat in the lower atmosphere and maintaining a stable temperature.

the insulating effect of the atmosphere on the solar radiation striking the Earth's surface.

Short-wave solar radiation can pass through the clear atmosphere relatively unimpeded, but long-wave radiation emitted by the warm surface of the Earth is partially absorbed and then re-emitted by a number of trace gases in the cooler atmosphere above. Since, on average, the outgoing long-wave radiation balances the incoming solar radiation, both the atmosphere and the surface will be warmer than they would be without the greenhouse gases. A historical perspective and tutorial can be found in Jones and Henderson-Sellers (1990).

The predicted increased warming of the atmosphere resulting from the accumulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other gases with global warming potential. The atmosphere is normally warmed when infrared radiation emitted by the Earth is absorbed by carbon dioxide gas and water vapor in the atmosphere. It has been hypothesized that as the amount of carbon dioxide increases due to the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation, especially of tropical rain forests, more heat energy will be retained by the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a rise in its temperature. This in turn could result in changes in rainfall and wind patterns and melting of polar ice, thus raising the global sea level. The change in weather patterns could have devastating consequences to the world's present prime agricultural areas. A significant rise in sea level could flood many coastal cities and damage ecologically important coastal wetlands. Other gases with global warming potential whose concentrations in the atmosphere are increasing in the atmosphere as a result of human activities are methane, nitrous oxide, the chlorofluorocarbons and the perfluorocarbons.

Warming of the atmosphere due to the reduction in outgoing solar radiation resulting from concentrations of gases such as carbon dioxide.

the slow rise in the temperature of the earth and its atmosphere due to the presence of carbon dioxide, ozone, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs in the atmosphere.

The greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring process that aids in heating the Earth's surface and atmosphere. It results from the fact that certain atmospheric gases absorb longwave radiation from the Earth's surface. Without the greenhouse effect, life on this planet would probably not exist as the average temperature of the Earth would be a chilly -18 degrees Celsius, rather than the present 15 degrees Celsius.

Warming of global climate by retention of outgoing (long wavelength) radiation - inferred to be happening at present because of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide content (CO2) driven by combustion of fossil fuels.

the heating of the atmosphere due to solar radiation's being trapped in ozone, water vapors and carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere.

An analogy comparing the heat trapping ability of atmospheric gases to a greenhouse. The 'natural' greenhouse effect is essential for life as we know it. The 'enhanced' greenhouse effect is caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases and is responsible for global warming.

warming that results when solar radiation is trapped by the atmosphere; caused by atmospheric gases that allow sunshine to pass through but absorb heat that is radiated back from the warmed surface of the earth

the result of greenhouse gases trapping the suns infrared radiation on a planet. Without the presence of greenhouse gases, infrared radiation would reflect off the surface of the planet and back into space. With greenhouse gases, however, the infrared radiation is trapped in the atmosphere and results in global warming

phenomenon in which oxides of nitrogen and carbon trap the energy radiated from the earth.

The greenhouse effect causes the atmosphere to trap more heat energy at the Earth's surface and within the atmosphere by absorbing and re-emitting longwave energy. Of the longwave energy emitted back to space, 90 % is intercepted and absorbed by greenhouse gases. Without the greenhouse effect the Earth's average global temperature would be -18 degrees Celsius, rather than the present 15 degrees Celsius. In the last few centuries, the activities of humans have directly or indirectly caused the concentration of the major greenhouse gases to increase. Scientists predict that this increase may enhance the greenhouse effect making the planet warmer. Some experts estimate that the Earth's average global temperature has already increased by 0.3 to 0.6 degrees Celsius, since the beginning of this century, because of this enhancement.

the trapping of heat in the atmosphere; incoming short-wavelength solar radiation penetrates the atmosphere, but the longer-wavelength outgoing radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases and reradiated (sent back again) to Earth, causing a rise in temperature

The trapping of heat in the atmosphere; caused by gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Heat from the sun passes through Earth's atmosphere. It is reflected from the surface of the Earth, but is unable to escape back into space because it is unable to pass through the layer of Greenhouse gases. These Greenhouse gases, such as Carbon Dioxide, reflect the heat back onto to Earth's surface - this causes the Earth to get hotter.

The warming of the earth's atmosphere via the trapping effect of solar infrared radiation from atmospheric greenhouse gases.

Heating of the Earth's atmosphere that is loosely analogous to the glass of a greenhouse letting light in but not letting heat out. Radiation from the sun easily enters the atmosphere as light waves, heating the Earth's surface and causing it to emit infrared radiation. Gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons absorb infrared radiation, preventing its energy from leaving the Earth.

Increased levels of gases such as carbon dioxide that trap heat in the earth's lower atmosphere; potential cause of global climate change.

The effect in which the earth's atmosphere behaves like a greenhouse and the surface of the earth absorbs most of the solar radiation, re-emitting it as infrared radiation. This is abosrbed by carbon dioxide, water, and ozone in the atmosphere as well as by clouds and reradiated back to earth.

Trapping and build-up of heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the earth's surface. Some of the heat flowing back toward space from the earth's surface is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and several other gases in the atmosphere and then reradiated back toward the earth's surface. If the atmospheric concentrations of these greenhouse gases rise, the average temperature of the lower atmosphere will gradually increase. See enhanced greenhouse effect, climate change, global warming.

the trapping of heat in the earth's atmosphere. Incoming short-wave solar radiation penetrates the atmosphere, but long-wave outgoing radiation is absorbed by the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and is re-radiated to the earth, causing a rise in atmospheric temperature.

the Sun's radiation is trapped in the atmosphere and leads to a warming of the Earth.

The normal process by which heat is kept in the atmosphere. Without it, life could not survive on Earth. But if too much heat is trapped, temperatures could go up. This would then be dangerous to life.

The process by which greenhouse gases naturally in the atmosphere keep the Earth warmer than it would otherwise be without them.

The absorption of heat energy by gases in the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide and methane. Energy

The Greenhouse Effect refers to the increase in temperature of a planet when gases in its atmosphere trap the Sunâ€(tm)s radiation A planet with carbon dioxide in its atmosphere will experience a stronger Greenhouse Effect. A good example of this is Venus, which has the most extreme Greenhouse Effect of all the planets. The thick cloud that covers Venus traps the Sun's rays and insulates the planet to create very high temperatures.

Phenomenon whereby the atmosphere naturally traps the fraction of solar radiation reflected by the surface of the earth. Without this effect, the temperature of the earth would not exceed -18°C (instead of +15°C). The gases responsible for this phenomenon-water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrogen protoxide (N2O)-are only present naturally in the atmosphere in trace concentrations. Therefore, emissions due to human activities are probably the cause of an intensification of the greenhouse effect and of climate change due to global warming.

The heating effect of the atmosphere upon the earth as light waves from the sun pass through the air and are absorbed by the earth. The earth then reradiates this energy as heat waves that are absorbed by the air. The air thus acts as a greenhouse, allowing the passage of light but not heat.

the effect produced as certain atmospheric gases allow incoming solar radiation to pass through to the Earth's surface, but prevent the outgoing (infrared) radiation, which is re-radiated from Earth, from escaping into outer space. A certain amount of this occurs naturally, keeping the Earth's average temperature about 59 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it otherwise would be.

a warming effect exerted by certain molecules in the earth's atmosphere (particularly carbon dioxide and water).

An increase in the temperature of the earth's surface and the lowest 8 km or so of the atmosphere, caused by the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases. Naturally occurring greenhouse gases cause a greenhouse effect at the earth's surface of about 30 C. Further temperature increases caused by anthropogenic emissions are termed the enhanced greenhouse effect.

The effect produced by greenhouse gases allowing incoming solar energy to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, but preventing most of the outgoing heat from the Earth from escaping into outer space. This effect, which is necessary to maintain life on earth, helps to keep the Earth 33ºC warmer than it would be without the presence of an atmosphere. Unfortunately, because of excess GHG emissions, the GHGs are now trapping too much heat. This is sometimes called the enhanced greenhouse effect.

gases such as carbon dioxide in the air that make the Earth warmer that it would otherwise be

The warming of the earth that results when solar energy is trapped by the atmospheric gases. This causes the earth’s climate to change in unpredictable and harmful ways.

The warming of the earth's surface caused by greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere. These gases regulate the earth's temperature – making it capable of sustaining life – by retaining some of the heat that otherwise would radiate back into space.

Warming of the Earth's atmosphere due to gases in the atmosphere that allow solar radiation (visible, ultraviolet) to reach the Earth's atmosphere but do not allow the emitted infrared radiation to pass back out of the Earth's atmosphere.

the process by which heat is trapped by the earth's atmosphere.

The theory that continued burning of fossil fuels will increase concentrations of carbon thereby trapping dioxide in the atmosphere, additional heat and moisture. Some scientists theorize that in time this could create a hothouse effect, raising the temperature of the earth, causing glaciers to melt and the sea level to rise. Regional estimates for carbon emissions estimated in millions of tons in 1983 include: United States and Canada 1,245; Western Europe, 753; USSR and Eastern Europe, 1,279; developing nations of Asia, Latin America and Africa, 738; China and Central Asia, 482; and Central Japan and Australia, 287.

the excessive trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by a blanket of gases. Gases such as water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide exist naturally and help retain the Earth’s normal surface temperature. Changes in the normal volume of gases in the atmosphere, due to human-induced activities, are believed to contribute to global climate change.

the warming of Earth due to the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere, which let sunlight come in but don't let heat go back out into space - as if Earth was covered with a big glass greenhouse that keeps everything warm.

The behavior of the earth's atmosphere to trap and hold heat near its surface, causing global warming.

Also called the atmosphere effect. Absorption of solar and terrestrial radiation by particles in the atmosphere that results in warming temperatures.

Elevation in surface temperature caused by carbon dioxide buildup. 896

Natural phenomenon whereby increased C02 and other gases in the atmosphere cause radiation from the sun to be trapped, leading to increases in global temperature and potential large-scale climate changes.

An atmospheric effect in which carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere reduces the rate at which heat is released from the Earth resulting in a net increase in the Earth's atmospheric temperature.

The trapping of the sun's radiant energy, so that it cannot be reradiated. In cars and buildings the radiant energy is trapped by glass: in the earth's atmosphere the radiant energy is trapped by gasses such as CFCs and carbon dioxide.

the process by which heat accumulates in the Earth's atmosphere instead of being released out into space. This process occurs naturally and keeps the Earth warm enough to sustain life. Scientific evidence shows human activity is intensifying this natural process. The greenhouse effect produced by different gases depends not just on the amount of the gas in the atmosphere at present, expected future emissions, and the lifetime of individual molecules in the gas. It is also dependent to a very large extent on how effective the gas is in absorbing radiation.

Carbon dioxide traps solar-derived heat in the atmosphere near the earth.

The effect on the Earthâ€(tm)s surface temperature of certain variable constituents of the lower atmosphere. The greenhouse effect keeps surface temperatures at a global average of around 15°C; in its absence, the global average would be below freezing. Environmental scientists are concerned that increases in the atmosphereâ€(tm)s content of greenhouse gases (principally CO2), caused by human activities, could have a dangerous warming effect on the Earthâ€(tm)s atmosphere.

The effect achieved by the buildup of gases (e.g. CFC's and carbon dioxide) in the earth's atmosphere causing the earth to become hot (as a greenhouse).

The effect that certain variable constituents of the Earth's lower atmosphere have on surface temperatures. Greenhouse gases keep ground temperatures at a global average of approximately 15°C. In their absence, the global average would be below the freezing point of water. Environmental scientists are concerned that changes in the atmosphere's CO2 content, caused by human activities, could have a dangerous warming effect on the Earth's atmosphere.

A popular term used to describe the roles of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases in keeping the Earth's surface some 59ø Fahrenheit warmer than it would be in the absence of the gases. These gases allow shorter wavelengths of solar radiation to enter the atmosphere, but slow the escape of longer wavelength energy radiating from the Earth's surface.

Solar radiation absorbed by the earth, converted to heat, and trapped close to the earth's surface. In greenhouse buildings used to grow plants, the radiant energy is trapped by glass; in the earth's atmosphere, dangerous radiant energy is trapped by gases such as CFCs and carbon dioxide.

The effect of increasing carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere, decreasing radiative cooling of the planet by trapping more long-wave radiation and so raising the mean atmospheric temperature with possible consequences on the hydrological cycle.

The way gases in the earths atmosphere trap heat. The build up of these gases, especially carbon dioxide, are thought to cause global warming.

A natural effect that keeps the Earth's temperature at a level necessary to support life. Gases in the lower atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour are warmed by radiation releases by the Earth's surface after it has been warmed by solar energy. These gases then radiate heat back towards the ground-adding to the heat the ground receives from the Sun. Without the natural greenhouse effect the surface of the planet would be about 33ºC colder on average. The enhanced greenhouse effect occurs when human activity, such as burning fossils fuels and land clearing, generates more greenhouse gases and increases the warming process. Most scientists agree that the enhanced greenhouse effect is leading to global warming and climate change.

The heating effect caused by gases in the atmosphere absorbing heat (solar radiation) instead of letting it escape back into space. There are 2 types: 1) Natural: It is what keeps the Earth's average temperature at 59oF instead of 0oF. In this case, the most abundant greenhouse gas is water vapor. 2) Anthropogenic: Additional warming caused by having too much carbon dioxide (CO2). In the first case, the Greenhouse Effect is good; however, if the second case is occurring it will be bad.

Earth's warming of the Earth's atmosphere caused by certain heat-trapping gases present in the atmosphere: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane. The Earth acts as a natural greenhouse. The sun's rays pass through the Earth's atmosphere and the rays are absorbed by the Earths surface, which heats up and releases the energy back to space. Some of this heat energy is now trapped by increased levels of atmospheric "greenhouse gas" and partly returned to Earth, trapping the heat close to the surface. It is believed that the result of this increase is a changing world climate.

A greenhouse is really a hothouse for growing plants. It has a glass roof to let the sun in and it traps the sun's heat. Some gases in earth's atmosphere (like carbon dioxide) trap the sun's heat in a similar way and keep the temperature up.

A natural phenomenon associated with the screen action of atmospheric carbon dioxide that prevents the Earth's heat from being dispersed into space. Over the past decades this phenomenon has intensified and resulted in the warming of the Earth's climate.

Warming that results when solar radiation is trapped by the atmosphere, caused by the presence of greenhouse gases that allow incoming sunlight to pass through, but absorb heat radiated back from the Earth's surface. Contributes to climate change.

The way in which the Earth's atmosphere acts as a blanket to keep temperatures at a higher level than would otherwise be so. The carbon monoxide and water vapor in the atmosphere transmit solar radiation but reflect the longer-wavelength heat radiation from the Earth. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, caused by large-scale burning of fossil fuel, will probably produce higher temperatures and have widespread climatic effects unless control measures are instituted.

The trapping and build-up of heat in the lower atmosphere near a planet's surface. Some of the heat flowing back towards space from the Earth's surface is absorbed by water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and other gases in the atmosphere. If the atmospheric concentrations of these gases rises, then theory predicts that the average temperature of the lower atmosphere will gradually increase. The greenhouse effect in part explains the temperature differences of Mars, Venus and Earth.

The heating that occurs when gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat escaping from the Earth and radiate it back to the surface; so-called because the gases are transparent to sunlight but not to heat and thus act like the glass in a greenhouse.

The increasing mean global surface temperature of the earth caused by gases in the atmosphere (including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluorocarbon). The greenhouse effect allows solar radiation to penetrate but absorbs the infrared radiation returning to space.

The effect of certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere in trapping heat from the sun.

The heat effect due to the trapping of the sun's radiant energy, so that it cannot be reradiated. In the earth's atmosphere, the radiant energy is trapped by greenhouse gases produced from both natural and human sources.

Warming of the Earth's atmosphere as a result of increases in carbon dioxide and other gases.

The greenhouse effect is the phenomenon whereby certain gases that absorb and trap heat in the atmosphere cause a warming effect on earth.

an increase in global temperature caused when the earthâ€(tm)s atmosphere traps solar radiation. It occurs due to the presence in the atmosphere of gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapour and methane, which allow incoming sunlight to pass through, but trap heat radiated back from the earthâ€(tm)s surface. The burning of fossil fuels is thought by many scientists to be a major contributory cause of the greenhouse effect.

when the earth’s atmosphere traps in solar radiation with gases that act like blanket and causes global warming.

the filtering system in the atmosphere that prevents the Earth's warmth from escaping to space

The presence of trace atmospheric gases make the earth warmer than would direct sunlight alone. These gases (carbon dioxide [CO2], methane [CH4], nitrous oxide [N2O], tropospheric ozone [O3], and water vapor [H2O]) allow visible light and ultraviolet light (shortwave radiation) to pass through the atmosphere and heat the earth's surface. This heat is re-radiated from the earth in form of infrared energy (longwave radiation). The greenhouse gases absorb part of that energy before it escapes into space. This process of trapping the longwave radiation is known as the greenhouse effect. In itself, the greenhouse effect is essential to the existence of life on earth. The phenomenon which represents an environmental problem is the accentuation of the natural greenhouse effect caused by certain atmospheric gases - referred to as greenhouse gases (see) - which prevent the escape of heat from the earth.

A warming of the earth's surface and lower atmosphere resulting from a process involving selective transmission of short wave solar radiation by the earthh's surface, and its reradiation as infrared which is absorbed and partly reradiate back to the surface by atmospheric «greenhouse gases» such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor. This effect was maintained during the most part of the Precambrian time slowly decreasing to the end of the Proterozoic.

The warming of the Earth's atmosphere attributed to a build-up of carbon dioxide or other gases; some scientists think that this build-up allows the sun's rays to heat the Earth, while infrared radiation makes the atmosphere opaque to a counterbalancing loss of heat.()

trapping of heat in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases which makes the Earth warm and habitable.

a warming process that balances Earth's cooling processes and helps maintain an average global temperature of approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit. During this process, sunlight enters Earths atmosphere as short wave radiation. The radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface. The planet becomes heated and emits long wave radiation toward the atmosphere. In the atmosphere, some of the long wave radiation is absorbed by certain gases called greenhouse gases. Each molecule of greenhouse gas becomes energized and emits heat energy in all directions. By radiating heat energy toward Earth , greenhouse gases increase Earth's temperature. Note that the warming mechanism for the "greenhouse effect" is NOT exactly the same as the warming mechanism of greenhouse walls. While greenhouse gases absorb long wave radiation then emit heat energy it in all directions, greenhouse walls physically trap heat inside of greenhouses and prevent it from escaping to the atmosphere.

a term used to describe the role of atmospheric trace gases - water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, in keeping the earth's surface warmer than it would be otherwise ( see enhanced greenhouse effect)

Greenhouse gases effectively trap solar radiation and Earth's terrestrial radiation raising the temperature near the surface.

The effect of the Earth's atmosphere, due to certain gases, in trapping heat from the sun; the atmosphere acts like a greenhouse.

The insulating effect produced by gases in the Earth's atmosphere. It traps radiant heat and warms the planet.

A popular term used to describe the roles of water vapour, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases in keeping the Earth's surface warmer than it would be otherwise. There is compelling evidence that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and manmade chlorofluorocarbons, are enhancing the greenhouse effect and causing global warming.

Greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere permit solar radiation to pass through but prevent most of the reflected infrared radiation from the earth's surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space. This process occurs naturally and has kept the earth's average surface temperature at approximately 60°F. Life on earth would not be possible without the natural greenhouse effect, but environmental scientists are concerned about the increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities, leading to climate change and its consequential adverse effects.

The warming of the Earth’s surface caused by the presence of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere that trap the heat of the sun.

phenomena when certain atmospheric gases trap incoming solar energy as heat.

The heating effect resulting from long wave radiation from the sun being trapped by greenhouse gases that have been produced from natural and human sources.

The phenomenon that occurs when certain atmospheric gases trap radiated heat in the atmosphere.

the process by which short-wave radiation from insolation is passed through the atmosphere and long-wave terrestrial radiation is trapped by the atmosphere having a net effect of warming the atmosphere

term for the role the earth's atmosphere plays in insulating and warming the earth's surface. Without this effect the earth would be a frozen planet with an average temperature on the surface of about -18°C (about 0°F). The greenhouse effect is a natural function; however, it is impacted by man's activities, which are leading to an increase in the atmosphere of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapor, the so-called “greenhouse gases”, which contribute to Global warming.

see atmospheric greenhouse effect

Increasing mean global surface temperature of the earth caused by gases (e.g. carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere.

is the natural process whereby gases in Earth's atmosphere act like the glass in greenhouse, letting the Sun's energy in, but keeping some of it from going back out. Were it not for this natural effect, Earth's climate would be about 33. C (60. F) colder, and life as we know it would not exist. The "enhanced greenhouse effect" refers to an increase in this natural heat-trapping phenomena caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.

increase in temperature due to a great difference in the outward thermal radiation and incoming solar radiation with the incoming being extremely greater than outward.

The result of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other atmospheric gases trapping radiant (infrared) energy, thereby keeping the earth's surface warmer than it would otherwise be. Greenhouse gases within the lower levels of the atmosphere trap this radiation, which would otherwise escape into space, and subsequent re-radiation of some of this energy back to the Earth maintains higher surface temperatures than would occur if the gases were absent.

Occurs when carbon dioxide gas provides a barrier which keeps heat from escaping the Earth. It serves to maintain a temperature on Earth great enough to sustain life.

the phenomenon whereby the earth's atmosphere traps solar radiation, caused by the presence of gases such as carbon dioxide that allow incoming sunlight to pass through but absorb heat radiated back from the earth's surface.

The analogy to the atmosphere of how a greenhouse works, i.e., that the Earth is some 30°C warmer because certain gases (notably water vapor and C02) allow shortwave radiation (sunlight) to pass through to the surface, but absorb some of the longwave (infrared) radiation emitted by the ground and sea.

The warming that takes place when molecules in the atmosphere trap heat radiating away from the surface and redirect it back toward Earth.

The hypothesized warming of the Earth's atmosphere as a result of increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and other gases that trap infrared radiation emitted from the earth's surface. While the increase in such gases is well documented, the effect on climate remains debatable. Estimates of the temperature effect range from zero to an increase of several degrees average global temperature by 2050; changes in temperature would affect rainfall patterns. Significant climate change would inevitably affect agricultural practices.

increase in temperature caused when solar radiation is passes through the atmosphere to Earth but the thermal radiation leaving the Earth is blocked by carbon dioxide, water vapor and other particles in the atmosphere). The greenhouse effect is very important on Venus and Earth but very weak on Mars.

the trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by certain gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Some scientists predict that the temperature and sea level rise associated with global warming could adversely affect biodiversity.

The blanketing (absorption) of infrared radiation near the surface of a planet by, for example, carbon dioxide in its atmosphere.

The process by which the equilibrium temperature of the earth is increased due to presence of gases in the atmosphere that absorb outgoing longwave radiation.

The insulating effect of atmospheric greenhouse gases (e.g., water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) that keeps the Earth's temperature about 60°F warmer than it would be otherwise.

The process in which green house gases, like carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere, cause thermal radiation emitted by the Earth's surface to be reflected back down, therefore causing the climate to warm. This natural process is enhanced by man's added pollutants and can reach proportions at which a number of animal and plant species can be threatened with extinction, not to mention cause drastic changes in the Earth's natural weather patterns.

Warming effect on the air caused by heat rising from the surface of the Earth and being trapped by gases in the troposphere.

rise in temperature resulting from a buildup of gases which trap heat in Earth's atmosphere that leads to global warming

A warming of the Earth's atmosphere caused by the presence in the atmosphere of certain heat-trapping gases (e.g., water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane). These gases absorb radiation emitted by the Earth, thereby retarding the loss of energy from the system to space. The greenhouse effect has been a property of Earth's atmosphere for millions of years and is responsible for maintaining the Earth's surface at a temperature that makes it habitable for human beings. An Enhanced Greenhouse Effect is when the increased concentrations of these gases are "enhancing" the natural greenhouse effect. It is the "enhanced greenhouse effect" that is expected to cause a large and rapid rise in average global temperatures.

the trapping of long-wavelength radiation (heat) by atmospheric gases;

A popular term used to describe the roles of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases in keeping the Earth's surface warmer than it would be otherwise. These gases are relatively transparent to incoming shortwave radiation, but are relatively opaque to outgoing longwave radiation. The latter radiation, which would otherwise escape to space, is trapped by these gases within the lower levels of the atmosphere. The subsequent re-radiation of some of the energy back to the surface maintains surface temperatures higher than they would be if the gases were absent. (Source: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center)

the role of various trace components of the atmosphere (such as H2O, CO2, etc.) in reabsorbing certain wavelengths of the energy spectrum radiated from the earth's surface thereby increasing the global temperature. This effect occurs naturally, but is augmented by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and land cover changes since these changes emit trace gases that become further concentrated in the atmosphere (enhanced greenhouse effect).

The absorption of outgoing terrestrial infrared radiation by atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor and methane; this process traps heat in the atmosphere, analogous to a greenhouse trapping heat within its glass walls.

Global warming due to build up of atmospheric CO2

The gradual increase in the temperature of the earth, caused by the sun's rays reaching the surface of the earth and being trapped by pollution in the air.

The presence of trace atmospheric gases make the earth warmer than would direct sunlight alone. These gases (carbon dioxide [CO2], methane [CH4], nitrous oxide [N2O], tropospheric ozone [O3], and water vapor [H2O]) allow visible light and ultraviolet light (shortwave radiation) to pass through the atmosphere and heat the earth's surface. This heat is re–radiated from the earth in form of infrared energy (longwave radiation). The greenhouse gases absorb part of that energy before it escapes into space. This process of trapping the longwave radiation is known as the greenhouse effect. Scientists estimate that without the greenhouse effect, the earth's surface would be roughly 54 degrees Fahrenheit colder than it is today:too cold to support life as we know it. See Global Climate Change (above).

The characteristic tendency of some transparent materials (such as glass) to transmit radiation with relatively short wavelengths (such as sunlight) and block radiation of longer wavelengths (such as heat). This tendency leads to a heat build–up within the space enclosed by such a material.

The process by which a carbon dioxide atmosphere traps heat and raises the temperature of a planetary surface.

Warming of the lower layers of the atmosphere due to its different absorption properties for long and short-wave radiation.

The cause of global warming. Incoming solar radiation is transmitted by the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, which it warms. The energy is retransmitted as thermal radiation, but some of it is absorbed by molecules of greenhouse gases instead of being retransmitted out to space, causing the temperature of the atmosphere to rise. The name comes from the ability of greenhouse glass to transmit incoming solar radiation but retain some of the outgoing thermal radiation to warm the interior of the greenhouse. The 'natural' greenhouse effect is due to the greenhouse gases present for natural reasons, and is also observed for the neighbouring planets in the solar system. The 'enhanced' greenhouse effect is the added effect caused by the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere due to human activities, such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

The effect produced as greenhouse gases allow incoming solar radiation to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, but prevent part of the outgoing infrared radiation from the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space. This process occurs naturally and has kept the Earth's temperature about 30° warmer than it would otherwise be. Current life on Earth could not be sustained without the natural greenhouse effect.

Atmospheric heating caused by solar radiation being readily transmitted inward through the earth's atmosphere but longwave radiation less readily transmitted outward, due to absorption by certain gases in the atmosphere.

Trapping of heat at the surface of the earth by carbon dioxide and water vapour in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases are a natural part of the atmosphere. They trap the sunâ€(tm)s warmth and maintain the earthâ€(tm)s surface temperature at a livable level. This process is known as the greenhouse effect. Human actions which increase the presence of greenhouse gases can increase global warming. These actions may be directly linked to an increase of emissions— like burning fossil fuels—or lead to a decrease in the environmentâ€(tm)s ability to process greenhouse gases—like clearing land of trees which absorb carbon (trees are carbon sinks). Greenhouse gas emissions Gas that affects the temperature of the earth's surface. The main greenhouse gases include water vapour (H2O), tropospheric ozone (O3) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are of particular concern because they take a long time to be removed from the atmosphere. CFCs are controlled separately by the Montreal Protocol due to their ability to damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere.

A term used to describe the heating of the atmosphere owing to the presence of carbon dioxide and other gases. Without the presence of these gases, heat from the sun would return to space in the form of infrared radiation. Carbon dioxide and other gases absorb some of this radiation and prevent its release, thereby warming the Earth. This is an effect analogous to what happens in a greenhouse, where glass traps the infrared radiation and warms the air. The burning of fossil fuels adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, and therefore places the Earth at risk from an increase of this effect.

The phenomenon whereby absorbed solar radiation is re-emitted from the Earth's surface but is prevented from escaping into the atomosphere by radiatively active gases (carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, and other trace gases). This causes a rise in the Earth's temperature.

warming of the lower level of the atmosphere (troposphere) due to greenhouse gases absorbing heat radiating the ground. Results in Climate Change.

The warming effect of the earth's atmosphere on the earth. Light energy from the sun which passes through the earth's atmosphere is absorbed by the earth's surface and re-radiated into the atmosphere as heat energy. The heat energy is then trapped by the atmosphere, creating a situation similar to that which occurs in a greenhouse or a car with its windows rolled up. Many scientists believe that the emission of CO2 and other gases into the atmosphere may increase the greenhouse effect and contribute to global warming.

The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere trap energy from the sun. (See Greenhouse Gases)

A thermodynamic effect whereby energy absorbed at the earth's surface, which is normally able to radiate back into space in the form of long-wave infrared radiation, is retained by gases in the atmosphere, causing a rise in temperature. The gases in question are partially natural, but manmade pollution is thought to increasingly contribute to the effect. The same CFCs that cause ozone depletion are known to be "greenhouse gases," with a single CFC molecule having the same estimated effect as 10,000 carbon dioxide molecules.

The warming of the Earth's atmosphere caused by increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other gases in the air, which trap the sun's heat within the atmosphere.

the process by which the heat of the sun becomes trapped in our planet's atmosphere, raising the global temperature

heating of the surface of a planet, caused by the gases present in its atmosphere, which hold the infrared radiation coming from the Sun. The effect is mostly due to carbon dioxide.

the heating of the earth's atmosphere caused by imbalances in the atmosphere's radiation cycle, characterized by so called greenhouse gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, that trap the heat from the sun in the atmosphere and inhibit re-radiation of that heat into space from the earth at night. Theoretically, this results in a gradual warming of the atmosphere.

An example is a car that is left in the sun. Solar radiation is transmitted through the glass and absorbed by the materials in the car. The radiation is then emitted from the materials but cannot escape through the glass any longer so the inside of the car heats up. This same process is occurring between the earth and its atmosphere. See Global Warming.

Greenhouse gases effectively absorb infrared radiation, emitted by the Earth's surface, by the atmosphere itself due to the same gases, and by clouds. Atmospheric radiation is emitted to all sides, including downward to the Earth's surface. Thus greenhouse gases trap heat within the surface-troposphere system. This is called the natural greenhouse effect. Atmospheric radiation is strongly coupled to the temperature of the level at which it is emitted. In the troposphere the temperature generally decreases with height. Effectively, infrared radiation emitted to space originates from an altitude with a temperature of, on average, -19°C, in balance with the net incoming solar radiation, whereas the Earth's surface is kept at a much higher temperature of, on average, +14°C. An increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases leads to an increased infrared opacity of the atmosphere, and therefore to an effective radiation into space from a higher altitude at a lower temperature. This causes a radiative forcing, an imbalance that can only be compensated for by an increase of the temperature of the surface-troposphere system. This is the enhanced greenhouse effect. ()

The theory that increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere trap additional heat and moisture and can, in time, create a hot house effect, raising the temperature at the surface of the earth.

A popular term used to describe the roles of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases in keeping the Earth's surface warmer than it would otherwise be. These radiatively active gases are relatively transparent to incoming shortwave radiation, but are relatively opaque to outgoing longwave radiation. The latter radiation, which would otherwise escape to space, is trapped by greenhouse gases within the lower levels of the atmosphere. The subsequent re-radiation of some of the energy back to the Earth maintains higher surface temperatures than would occur if the gases were absent. There is concern that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons, may enhance the greenhouse effect and cause global warming.

When heat from the sun becomes trapped in the Earth's atmosphere due to certain gases.

An increase in temperature caused when the atmosphere absorbs incoming solar radiation but blocks outgoing thermal radiation; carbon dioxide is the major factor.

the trapping of heat energy close to a planet's surface by certain types of gases in the atmosphere (e.g., water, methane, and carbon dioxide). These gases allow visible light from the Sun to reach the surface but prevent the infrared light from the heated surface to radiate back to space.

A natural phenomenon that maintains an average temperature of 15°C on the planet. Emissions caused by human activities, which contribute greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), disrupt the thermal balance between energy radiated from the sun and the longwave radiation being radiated to space. This disruption is believed to be the cause of climate change.

Absorption by gases in the atmosphere of heat radiating from Earth's surface resulting in a warmer global climate (p.137-139, 233).

A natural warming process of the earth. When the sun's energy reaches the earth some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed. The absorbed energy warms the earth's surface which then emits heat energy back toward space as longwave radiation. This outgoing longwave radiation is partially trapped by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor which then radiate the energy in all directions, warming the earth's surface and atmosphere. Without these greenhouse gases the earth's average surface temperature would be about 33 degrees Celsius cooler. Click here for more information.

The retention of heat at the earth's surface caused by atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide that allow short wavelength radiation from the sun to pass through but then trap the long wavelength radiation emitted by the earth.

The warming of the Earth's atmosphere attributed to a buildup of carbon dioxide or other gases. Some scientists think that this build-up allows the sun's rays to heat the Earth, while making the infra-red radiation atmosphere opaque to infra-red radiation, thereby preventing a counterbalancing loss of heat.

The process by which energy from the sun is trapped under the atmosphere to cause warming. Light energy can easily pass in through the atmosphere. Once some of this light is absorbed by dark surfaces, the resulting heat energy has greater difficulty getting back out. Through the naturally occurring greenhouse effect, water vapor, ozone and carbon dioxide have kept temperatures on the earth moderate for several billions years. Today, people are adding more gases which might increase the temperature.

The heating of the atmosphere by the trapping of long-wave radiation re-emitted by the Earth from incoming solar energy.

the warming of the earth's atmosphere caused by a buildup of carbon dioxide and other trace gases. This buildup allows light from the sun's rays to heat the earth but prevents a counterbalancing loss of heat

mechanism by which the earth is kept warmer than it would be otherwise due to greenhouse gases absorbing long wavelength (infra-red) radiation.

The ability to keep the air temperature within the greenhouse construction higher than outside temperature especially during nighttime and in cooler growing climates.

The greenhouse effect is created by gases like carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases allow radiation from the sun to pass through the atmosphere; the earth then absorbs this radiation and emits heat. That heat is absorbed by the greenhouse gases, resulting in atmospheric warming.

A warming of the earth and its atmosphere as a result of the thermal trapping of incoming solar radiation by CO2, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons and other gases, both natural and man—made.

A build-up of carbon dioxide, methane and other gases in the atmosphere preventing heat from escaping from Earth.

A warming effect caused by a buildup of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gasses" in the atmosphere

The greenhouse effect is an increase in the temperature of a planet as heat energy from sunlight is trapped in the atmosphere. Excess carbon dioxide and water vapor increase this effect. The greenhouse effect is strong on Earth, maintaining (and possible exacerbating) warm temperatures.

n: A natural effect that traps heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the earth's surface. Some of the heat flowing back toward space from the earth's surface is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and several other gases in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) and then radiated back toward the earth's surface. If the atmospheric concentrations of these greenhouse gases rise and are not removed by other natural processes, the average temperature of the lower atmosphere will gradually increase.

the ability of atmospheric carbon dioxide to reflect heat radiated from the earth back to the earth and to thereby raise the earth's temperature globally

The term used for the trapping of certain gasses by a planet's atmosphere, causing it to heat up.

The trapping of heat from the sun by gases in Earth's atmosphere.

This is the effect of warming the average temperature of a planet by trapping heat from the Sun in the atmosphere. The only reason that water on Earth stays in the liquid form is because we have greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Without these, the Earth would have cooled below freezing point and life would not have existed. Important greenhouse gases are, carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour. CFC's also have a greenhouse effect but are regarded more as the culprits of destruction of the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Current problems with global warming are thought to be occurring because of the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) by humans. There is a major scientific debate about this - some scientists believe that the current warming is a natural phenomenon - but can we take the risk? On Venus, where the atmosphere is largely carbon dioxide, a runaway greenhouse effect has raised temperatures to rather inhospitable levels, around 400 deg. C.

The result of a planet's atmosphere trapping infrared heat, rather than allowing it to escape into space. This effect increases the planet's surface temperature, a phenomenon known as global warming.

The overall warming of the earth's lower atmosphere primarily due to carbon dioxide and water vapor which permit the sun's rays to heat the earth, but then restrict some heat-energy from escaping back into space.

The greenhouse effect, first discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1824, and first investigated quantitatively by Svante Arrhenius in 1896, is the process in which the absorption of infrared radiation by an atmosphere warms a planet. In the case of the Earth, without these greenhouse gases, its surface would be up to 30°C cooler. The name comes from an incorrect analogy with the way in which greenhouses are heated by the sun in order to facilitate plant growth.