Previous Year Question

The Greenhouse Effect is a natural atmospheric process in which certain gases absorb and re-emit Infrared Radiation released from the Earth's surface, keeping the surface and lower atmosphere warm. The gases primarily responsible for this process are called Greenhouse Gases. These include Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), Water Vapour, and Ozone (O₃).

In the mechanism of the Greenhouse Effect, incoming Shortwave Radiation from the Sun warms the Earth's surface. The heated surface emits energy as Longwave Infrared Radiation. Greenhouse Gases in the atmosphere absorb part of this radiation and re-emit it in all directions, providing additional energy towards the Earth's surface. Due to the Natural Greenhouse Effect, the Earth's average surface temperature remains approximately 15°C; without it, the temperature would be around −18°C.

There is a distinction between the Natural Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming. The natural greenhouse effect maintains temperatures necessary for life on Earth, whereas increasing greenhouse gas concentrations from human activities strengthen this effect. This is called the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect. Fossil fuel combustion, Deforestation, and industrial activities are major contributing factors. The resulting long-term increase in the Earth's average temperature is known as Global Warming.

Global Warming influences phenomena such as ocean warming, glacier melting, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation patterns. Although increasing temperatures in oceans, rivers, and lakes are among its possible consequences, the Greenhouse Effect is not restricted to changes in the temperature of water bodies. It is a process associated with the Earth's overall Energy Balance.