Final answer:
The greenhouse effect is a process in Earth Science where greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth's surface warmer than it would be otherwise.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Earth Science, specifically the greenhouse effect and the role of greenhouse gases in affecting Earth's surface temperature.
The greenhouse effect is a process in which energy from the sun is absorbed by Earth's surface, converted to heat, and then trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. These gases prevent the escape of thermal energy from the Earth, keeping the surface warmer than it would be without them. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases, which intensifies the greenhouse effect and leads to global warming.