Difference between revisions of "Greenhouse effect"
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(ref: IR radiation is the heat that we sense being radiated from a hot surface) |
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These "greenhouse gas" molecules (principally [[water]], [[carbon dioxide]], and [[methane]]) | These "greenhouse gas" molecules (principally [[water]], [[carbon dioxide]], and [[methane]]) | ||
| − | absorb and re-emit longwave [[infrared rays]] emitted from the earth's surface into the atmosphere (see [[radiational cooling]]). | + | absorb and re-emit longwave [[infrared rays]] emitted from the earth's surface into the atmosphere (see [[radiational cooling]]). <ref> Sunlight falling on the surface of a planet is primarily in the visible part of the spectrum. However, the reflection of light from the surface tends to produce light of longer wavelength called infrared (IR) radiation (also known as radiant heat; IR radiation is the heat that we sense being radiated from a hot surface like a hot piece of metal). [http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/venus/greenhouse.html A Runaway Greenhouse Effect?] </ref> |
This insulating effect has been compared to a blanket or to the glass walls and roof of a [[greenhouse]], but the process is not the same. | This insulating effect has been compared to a blanket or to the glass walls and roof of a [[greenhouse]], but the process is not the same. | ||
Revision as of 19:23, April 6, 2007
The term "greenhouse effect" refers to the increased warmth of the earth's surface and atmosphere which results when gas molecules prevent the escape of infrared radiation from the earth.
These "greenhouse gas" molecules (principally water, carbon dioxide, and methane) absorb and re-emit longwave infrared rays emitted from the earth's surface into the atmosphere (see radiational cooling). [1]
This insulating effect has been compared to a blanket or to the glass walls and roof of a greenhouse, but the process is not the same.
See also
Bibliography
Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000
- ↑ Sunlight falling on the surface of a planet is primarily in the visible part of the spectrum. However, the reflection of light from the surface tends to produce light of longer wavelength called infrared (IR) radiation (also known as radiant heat; IR radiation is the heat that we sense being radiated from a hot surface like a hot piece of metal). A Runaway Greenhouse Effect?