Question

What causes the greenhouse effect?

Answer 1

The greenhouse effect is caused by the trapping of energy in the lower atmosphere.

Explanation:

The greenhouse effect is caused by the trapping of energy in the lower atmosphere. The type of energy (visible radiation) that the sun emits easily passes through the atmosphere and reaches the surface of the earth. The type of energy (infrared radiation) that is emitted from the surface of the earth does not pass through the atmosphere as easily, causing a warming effect.

To learn more, read related Socratic questions about how greenhouse gases cause the greenhouse effect, which gases are greenhouse gases, and how the greenhouse effect is connected to global warming.