Final answer:
The greenhouse effect is the process of trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere by certain greenhouse gases, which helps maintain the Earth's relatively constant temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process you are referring to is called the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon occurs when incoming solar radiation, primarily in the form of visible light and shortwave infrared radiation, is absorbed by the Earth's surface. The Earth then re-emits this energy as longwave infrared radiation. Certain greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, absorb and re-radiate this longwave radiation, trapping it in the atmosphere. This trapping of heat contributes to the warming of the Earth's surface and is what helps maintain Earth's relatively constant temperature.