The Greenhouse Effect
Now that you have been introduced to the Global Energy Balance and the importance of albedo in determining it, let's take a closer look at the Greenhouse Effect.
The Greenhouse Effect is a naturally-occurring phenomenon whereby the so-called greenhouse gases trap heat energy in the atmosphere near the Earth's surface. The three most important greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane. These three gases have been present in the atmosphere for millennia, but their density and composition changes over time, altering the intensity of the Greenhouse Effect.
The Greenhouse Effect is a naturally-occurring phenomenon whereby the so-called greenhouse gases trap heat energy in the atmosphere near the Earth's surface. The three most important greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane. These three gases have been present in the atmosphere for millennia, but their density and composition changes over time, altering the intensity of the Greenhouse Effect.
Assignments
Log on to BBLearn and under Module 3, Mastering Assignments, complete "Assignment 3.2: The Greenhouse Effect."