How do the greenhouse gases warm the atmosphere?

Question

Solar radiation penetrates the atmosphere and is trapped by greenhouse gases which warms the atmosphere.

Solar radiation absorbed by the Earth is converted to infrared which is blocked by greenhouse gases and heats the atmosphere.

Infrared radiation from the Sun is trapped by greenhouses gases and heats the atmosphere.

Solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth which directly warms the atmosphere.

Answer 1

The most accurate description of how greenhouse gases warm the atmosphere is:

Solar radiation absorbed by the Earth is converted to infrared which is blocked by greenhouse gases and heats the atmosphere.

Here's a brief explanation of this process:

1. Solar Radiation: The Sun emits energy in the form of solar radiation, some of which reaches the Earth’s surface.

2. Absorption and Re-radiation: The Earth's surface absorbs this solar energy and warms up. In turn, the Earth re-radiates this energy as infrared radiation.

3. Greenhouse Gases: Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor) absorb some of this infrared radiation.

4. Heat Trapping: Once these gases absorb the infrared radiation, they re-radiate it in all directions, including back towards the Earth's surface, which further warms the atmosphere.

This process is commonly referred to as the greenhouse effect and is a natural phenomenon that is essential for maintaining the Earth’s climate. However, an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations due to human activities enhances this effect, leading to global warming and climate change.