greenhouse effect

• What do greenhouse gases cause?

  The greenhouse effect
• How does the greenhouse effect benefit life on Earth?

  It keeps the Earth warm enough for life
• What type of radiation does the Sun emit?

  Short wavelength infrared radiation
• What can happen if the greenhouse effect is too strong?

  It can cause global warming
• What is the process of the greenhouse effect?

  1. The Sun emits short wavelength infrared radiation.
  2. This radiation enters the atmosphere and travels to Earth.
  3. The Earth absorbs some radiation; long wavelength radiation is reflected.
  4. Greenhouse gases absorb the longer wavelength radiation.
  5. The gases re-radiate this energy.
• What happens to long wavelength radiation after it is reflected?

  It is reflected back into the atmosphere
• What happens to some of the radiation emitted by the Sun?

  It is absorbed by the Earth
• Can greenhouse gases absorb the frequency of radiation emitted by the Sun?

  No, they cannot absorb that frequency
• What type of radiation can greenhouse gases absorb?

  Longer wavelength reflected radiation
• What do greenhouse gases do with the energy they absorb?

  They re-radiate this energy
• What is the effect of greenhouse gases on the Earth's surface temperature?

  They help maintain the temperature