Greenhouse effect
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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).
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.
Bibliography
Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000