Which statement best describes how excessive carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere alter the system illustrated above?

Question

A.
They increase the amount of solar radiation that is reflected into outer space.
B.
They increase the rate at which absorbed solar energy leaves the Earth's atmosphere.
C.
They increase the amount of solar radiation that is absorbed by the Earth's surface.
D.
They prevent some of the absorbed solar energy from leaving the Earth's atmosphere.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes how excessive carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere alter the system is:

D. They prevent some of the absorbed solar energy from leaving the Earth's atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping back into space, which leads to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect.