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natural greenhouse effectclick to hear

The greenhouse effect is an indispensable natural phenomenon; without it, the average temperature, currently 59°F, would be no higher than 0°F.
natural greenhouse effect reflected solar radiation tropopause heat loss greenhouse gas heat energy infrared radiation absorption by Earth surface absorption by clouds absorbed solar radiation solar radiation

reflected solar radiation click to hear

Thirty percent of solar radiation is sent back into space by clouds, by particles suspended in the atmosphere and by the Earth’s surface.

tropopause click to hear

Boundary between the troposphere, where meteorological phenomena are produced, and the stratosphere, which absorbs a large part of solar radiation.

heat loss click to hear

Part of the infrared rays reflected by the Earth’s surface is not absorbed and dissipates in space.

greenhouse gas click to hear

Gas that traps heat in the atmosphere; composed mainly (60%) of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (15%) and CFCs (12%).

heat energy click to hear

Infrared radiation carries heat energy, which increases the temperature of the atmosphere.

infrared radiation click to hear

The Earth’s surface reflects infrared radiation, part of which is retained in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases and clouds.

absorption by Earth surface click to hear

About 50% of solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s surface.

absorption by clouds click to hear

About 25% of solar radiation is absorbed by clouds.

absorbed solar radiation click to hear

A portion of solar radiation is converted into thermal energy by gaseous constituents in the atmosphere, in the clouds and on the Earth’s surface.

solar radiation click to hear

All the electromagnetic waves emitted by the Sun.