Interaction of Solar Radiation with Earth and the Greenhouse Effect

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary related to solar radiation, the atmosphere, and the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm.

Ultraviolet Radiation

A type of solar radiation that is not visible to the human eye and can be absorbed by the atmosphere.

Visible Light

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be seen by the human eye.

Infrared Radiation

A type of solar radiation that is partly absorbed by the atmosphere and emitted by the Earth's surface.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

A greenhouse gas that absorbs infrared radiation and contributes to the greenhouse effect.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, crucial for absorbing and emitting solar radiation.

Ozone

A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas that has a higher warming potential than CO2 over a shorter time frame.

Solar Radiation Interaction

The process by which solar energy is absorbed, reflected, or emitted by the Earth and its atmosphere.

Absorption

The process through which solar radiation is taken up by the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth.

Emission

The process through which the Earth's surface and atmosphere return energy to space.

Reflectance

The fraction of solar radiation that is reflected off the Earth's surface or atmosphere.

Infrared Light Interaction

The manner in which gases like CO2 absorb and re-emit infrared radiation.

Greenhouse Factor

A measure of how much a greenhouse gas contributes to the greenhouse effect relative to CO2.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, often associated with increased greenhouse gases.

Increasing Greenhouse Gases

A phenomenon characterized by a rise in gases like CO2, which can lead to higher global temperatures.