Simple explanation of greenhouse effect - right or wrong?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the greenhouse effect, emphasizing that greenhouse gases (GHGs) warm the Earth's atmosphere by absorbing and re-emitting thermal radiation. The basic mechanism involves solar radiation being absorbed by the Earth's surface, which then warms the atmosphere through contact and radiation. While some participants argue about the role of back radiation, the consensus is that GHGs contribute to increased atmospheric temperatures by trapping heat. The analogy of a greenhouse is used to illustrate how GHGs allow sunlight in while preventing some heat from escaping. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity of the greenhouse effect while acknowledging its fundamental principles.
  • #51
duncan61 said:
I have studied the data myself and the warming trend detected has stopped

You forgot to tell the ice caps. Please tell them soon.

.
 
  • Like
Likes davenn
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #52
We got off track and went into speculation. Thread closed
 
  • Like
Likes davenn, anorlunda and hutchphd

Similar threads

What happens to the IR radiation that the Greenhouse gases don't absorb?
Replies
8
Views
4K
What does "surface temperature" mean?
Replies
28
Views
6K
Why does the heat in the atmosphere mostly go down?
Replies
36
Views
12K
NASA's greenhouse effect not correct?
Replies
7
Views
4K
Future of the Atmosphere W/Unregulated Pollution?
Replies
1
Views
3K
Difference between Effective Temp and Actual Surface Temp is due to what?
Replies
3
Views
23K
Greenhouse effect on planetary equilibrium temperature help
Replies
16
Views
6K
Greenhouse effect and Earth's surface temperature
Replies
49
Views
7K
Falsifying the Atmospheric CO2 Greenhouse Effect: G. Gerlich & R.D. Tscheuschner
2
Replies
88
Views
49K
How the Greenhouse Gas Effect works
Replies
3
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top