the greenhouse effect imp.

• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It helps to keep the earth warm
• Which gases are considered greenhouse gases?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour
• How do greenhouse gases affect the earth's temperature?

  They act like an insulating layer
• What type of radiation does the sun emit?

  Short wavelength electromagnetic radiation
• What happens to short wavelength radiation when it reaches the earth's surface?

  It is absorbed and re-emitted as long IR radiation
• What do greenhouse gases do with the long IR radiation?

  They absorb and reradiate it in all directions
• How does increased concentration of greenhouse gases affect the greenhouse effect?

  It enhances the greenhouse effect, causing more heating
• What is a potential consequence of the greenhouse effect?

  Global warming
• What is the process of the greenhouse effect?

  • Sun emits short wavelength radiation
  • Radiation passes through the atmosphere
  • Absorbed by the earth's surface
  • Re-emitted as long IR radiation
  • Absorbed by greenhouse gases
  • Reradiated in all directions
  • Can lead to global warming