Earth atmosphere

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs and the highest density of air is found.

Volcanic Outgassing

The release of gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, from volcanoes, which contributed to Earth's early atmosphere.

Carbon Dioxide

A greenhouse gas that traps heat in Earth's atmosphere; produced by respiration, combustion, and volcanic activity.

Albedo

The measure of how much sunlight a surface reflects; lighter surfaces have high albedo, while darker surfaces have low albedo.

Energy Budget

The balance between the amount of solar energy Earth receives and the amount that is reflected or radiated back into space.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, keeping the planet warm.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.

Infrared Radiation

A type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, emitted by Earth as heat.

Visible Light Radiation

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, including colors red through violet.

Global Wind

Large-scale wind patterns caused by the uneven heating of Earth’s surface and the rotation of the planet.

Heat

The transfer of energy from a warmer object to a cooler one, often by conduction, convection, or radiation.

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance, indicating how hot or cold it is.