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Greenhouses made of glass/plastic trap sun's radiation, heating up air and ground inside. Hot air rises but is trapped, and some infrared radiation is reflected back by the roof. Greenhouse heats up and keeps plants at optimal temperature.
The natural greenhouse effect
Earth uses greenhouse gases to keep heat in, similar to a greenhouse but on a larger scale. Most of the Sun's radiation heats the ground and oceans, and some is reflected back into space.
The ground and oceans emit infrared radiation, which is absorbed by greenhouse gases, such as
Water vapour (H2O) is the most abundant (95%) greenhouse gas.
Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are three of the other most common greenhouse gases.
The greenhouse effect traps the Sun's solar energy in Earth's atmosphere. Short-wave radiation from the Sun passes through the atmosphere, while long-wave radiation from the ground and oceans is absorbed by greenhouse gases.
Without the greenhouse effect, Earth would lose all its thermal energy and be less habitable, affecting plants, animals, and humans.
The enhanced greenhouse effect
Human activity has caused the natural greenhouse process to intensify, known as enhanced greenhouse effect.
Causes
An increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour, in the atmosphere.
Below table summarises how humans have contributed to the increased levels of these greenhouse gases.
What is the greenhouse effect and how does it work?
What are some of the greenhouse gases and how do they contribute to global warming?
How have human activities affected the greenhouse effect and global warming?
What are some of the potential consequences of global warming and how might they impact our environment and society?
How can we reduce our carbon footprint and limit the greenhouse effect to mitigate the effects of global warming?
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