The following diagram shows how greenhouse gases trap energy from the Sun.
Bâi mẫu tham khảo:
As illustrated in the diagram, solar energy is trapped by greenhouse gases naturally and also accentuated by human activity.
Initially, some of the radiant energy from the Sun is reflected and bounced back into space rather than being absorbed by clouds. The remainder passes through the atmosphere, is absorbed, and warms the surface of the Earth. At this point, a portion of the heat travels back to space, while greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap a certain amount, keeping it close to the ground.
Human activities, however, are altering this natural phenomenon. As fossil fuels are burned in power plants or factories, carbon dioxide (one of the greenhouse gases) is released into the atmosphere. This chemical compound is also emitted from the exhaust gases of cars and lorries. Furthermore, although plants absorb some of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through their leaves, deforestation has resulted in the loss of many of their habitats. Consequently, the more greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere, the more heat is retained.
Overall, the process by which greenhouse gases trap the sun's radiant energy is a complex natural process, and mankind is responsible for some of its absorption at present.
