What term describes the warming of the Earth caused by gases trapping heat in the atmosphere?

• A. Greenhouse Effect
• B. Global Warming
• C. Ozone Depletion
• D. Heat Accumulation

Answer: (A)

The greenhouse effect is the process that explains how gases in the atmosphere trap heat and warm the planet. Sunlight reaches Earth and warms the surface, which then emits infrared heat. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor absorb much of that infrared radiation and re-radiate it in all directions, including back toward the surface. That trapping of heat keeps the lower atmosphere and surface warmer than they would be otherwise. Human activities are increasing these gas concentrations, intensifying the effect and contributing to the overall rise in average global temperatures, known as global warming. Ozone depletion is a separate issue related to thinning of the ozone layer and UV radiation, not the heat-trapping mechanism described here. Heat accumulation isn’t the standard term for this process.