Question

Which phenomenon, described in the statement, is responsible for heating the lower atmosphere and the Earth?

A) The Ozone Depletion Effect

B) The Albedo Effect

C) The Greenhouse Effect

D) The Radiative Cooling Effect

Answer 1

The Greenhouse Effect, a natural phenomenon where gases like
`CO2` trap infrared radiation, is responsible for heating the lower atmosphere and the Earth. It acts as a thermal blanket, re-radiating heat back to Earth and maintaining life-supporting temperatures. The effect is intensified by human activities, causing global warming.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phenomenon responsible for heating the lower atmosphere and the Earth is the Greenhouse Effect. This effect occurs because certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide
`(CO2)` and water vapor
`(H2O)`, absorb infrared radiation that is emitted from the Earth's surface. After absorbing this energy, these gases then re-radiate it in all directions, including back towards the Earth, thus warming the planet. This is much like how a greenhouse traps heat, hence the name.

The Greenhouse Effect results in the surface temperature of the Earth being approximately 40°C higher than it would be without the presence of an atmosphere. Greenhouse gases have a crucial role in this process. They are transparent to the incoming sunlight, which is primarily visible light, but absorb the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth as it warms up.

These gases, therefore, act as a thermal blanket for the planet, maintaining the Earth's temperature within a range that can support life. It's important to note that while the Greenhouse Effect is a natural and necessary phenomenon for life on Earth, human activities have increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases, enhancing this effect and contributing to global warming.