Difference between revisions of "Greenhouse effect"
(retention of warmth at the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere) |
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| − | The '''"greenhouse effect"''' | + | The '''"greenhouse effect"''' refers to |
| − | refers to the | + | the retention of warmth at the [[Earth]]'s surface and in the [[atmosphere]] |
| − | which results when gas molecules | + | which results when gas molecules prevent the escape of [[infrared radiation]] |
| − | prevent the escape of [[infrared radiation]] | + | into [[outer space]]. |
| − | |||
These "greenhouse gas" molecules (principally [[water]], [[carbon dioxide]], and [[methane]]) | These "greenhouse gas" molecules (principally [[water]], [[carbon dioxide]], and [[methane]]) | ||
Revision as of 11:26, April 24, 2007
The "greenhouse effect" refers to the retention of warmth at the Earth's surface and in the atmosphere which results when gas molecules prevent the escape of infrared radiation into outer space.
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). 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). [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, Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000.