- Definition : The process by which certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, thereby warming the planet.
- Process
- Solar Radiation: The Sun emits solar radiation that reaches the Earth, primarily in the form of visible light.
- Absorption and Reflection: The Earth’s surface absorbs some of this radiation and reflects the rest back towards space.
- Infrared Radiation: The absorbed energy heats the Earth’s surface, which then emits this energy as infrared radiation.
- Trapping Heat: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O), trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation.
- Warming Effect: This trapped heat warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth, maintaining a temperature that supports life.
- Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
- Methane (CH4): Emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as from livestock and other agricultural practices.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels.
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Synthetic compounds used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants, now largely regulated due to their role in ozone depletion.
- Water Vapor (H2O): The most abundant greenhouse gas, but its concentration in the atmosphere is largely controlled by natural processes.
- Ozone : Primarily found in the stratosphere, where it absorbs harmful UV radiation, shielding Earth’s surface