The Greenhouse Effect
The portion of the Sun’s radiant energy that is not absorbed, scattered, or reflected (about 47 percent) passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and warms its surface. The heated Earth then radiates heat back into the atmosphere as infrared energy. Some of this energy is absorbed by naturally-occurring gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone, which radiate the energy in all directions, including back to the Earth’s surface causing further warming.
These energy-absorbing trace gases are known as greenhouse gases, and the phenomenon in which the Earth’s atmosphere absorbs solar energy re-radiated from the Earth is known as the greenhouse effect. It is a natural aspect of the Earth’s environment, crucial for the maintenance of life. Without it, the Earth would be a much colder planet, inhospitable to life as we know it.
The greenhouse effect is heavily dependent on the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Additional gases, stemming from human activities, create what is called an enhanced greenhouse effect. However, the Earth’s climate is complex and is also influenced by other factors, making it difficult to link specific climate characteristics to a single cause. Therefore, while many scientists support efforts to slow—or even reverse—the build up of greenhouse gases, others believe that the climate changes that we are experiencing are part of a natural, long-term cycle.
Windows to the Universe: Atmosphere
Windows to the Universe is a NASA-funded Earth and Space Science education site. The section, Our Planet, explains the greenhouse effect and its effect on Earth’s climate. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced explanations are offered.
Animated Diagram of the Greenhouse Effect
The University of California at San Diego has put together an animation that clearly and easily explains the greenhouse effect.
Pennsylvania State University professor Alistair Fraser details common misconceptions about the greenhouse effect and demonstrates how to avoid using inaccurate terminology in teaching about the effect.
For the Classroom
The Greenhouse Effect
The National Center for Atmospheric Research and the UCAR Office of Programs provide a comprehensive site explaining the greenhouse effect. The site, aimed at educating teachers, also includes review questions and two student activities.
The Greenhouse Effect in a Jar
In this introductory lab activity by the Franklin Institute, students use glass jars and thermometers to directly observe the greenhouse effect. [Grades K-8]
Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
This lab activity, written by Margaret Russell, is intended for the advanced high school level. Lessons include: constructing a model of the greenhouse effect, the greenhouse effect and the relationship to global warming, identifying greenhouse gases and sources, analyzing global warming impact, and reducing global warming. [Grades 11-Undergraduate]