Question

Excess heating (known as the Greenhouse effect) in planetary atmospheres is caused by

a) Increased solar radiation.
b) High levels of ozone in the atmosphere.
c) The trapping of heat by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
d) The presence of large oceans on the planet's surface.

Answer 1

The excess heating in planetary atmospheres, known as the greenhouse effect, is primarily caused by the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Increased concentrations of these gases due to human activities have led to global warming and climate change.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Greenhouse Effect and Excess Heating

The excess heating in planetary atmospheres, known as the greenhouse effect, is primarily caused by the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

These gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, absorb and re-emit infrared radiation, which keeps the Earth's surface warmer than it would be without an atmosphere. Increased concentrations of these gases due to human activities have led to global warming and climate change.