Climate Change · Botany

What is the primary mechanism of the 'Greenhouse Effect'?

  1. Atmospheric gases absorb outgoing longwave infrared radiation.
  2. Atmospheric gases reflect incoming solar ultraviolet radiation.
  3. The ozone layer traps heat from volcanic eruptions.
  4. Oxygen molecules convert solar energy into thermal energy.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Atmospheric gases absorb outgoing longwave infrared radiation.

Greenhouse gases allow shortwave solar radiation to pass through but absorb the longwave infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. This trapped energy warms the lower atmosphere.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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