Biology / Unit 14 Bio 3521 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Greenhouse Effect Mechanism
Captions available
The idea
The greenhouse effect is the process by which atmospheric gases absorb and re-radiate infrared energy that would otherwise escape to space, warming the surface above solar heating alone.
In practice
A greenhouse gas molecule absorbs outgoing infrared radiation and re-emits part toward the surface, delaying its escape.
Where people slip
The greenhouse effect is not a malfunction — a baseline effect lets Earth's surface support liquid water.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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