Solar Greenhouse Effect
The solar greenhouse effect, or simply the greenhouse effect, refers to the warming of the earth due to the absorption and reflection of infrared radiation by the earth's surface and atmospheric gases. The greenhouse effect makes life on earth possible by maintaining a steady temperature.
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History
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The term greenhouse effect was coined by scientists in the early 1800s. It was used as a simple descriptive for the role of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Cause
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The greenhouse effect is caused by the presence of carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, nitrous oxide and water vapor in the atmosphere. These are referred to as greenhouse gases.
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Albedo
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The greenhouse effect is partially determined by the amount of infrared radiation a given area reflects. The percentage of infrared radiation reflected is called albedo and varies significantly from location to location.
Temperature Increase
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In recent decades, scientists have noted a steady rise in global temperatures. Many attribute this rise to the steady increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere generating an enhanced greenhouse effect.
Climate Change
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There is increasing concern among scientists, environmentalists and others that global warming induced by the greenhouse effect may irreparably harm the environment. The evidence of this remains controversial.
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