The greenhouse effect results in warmer temperatures near the surface because?

Question

a. clouds trap infrared radiation near the surface

b. some of the energy is reradiated back toward the surface

c. carbon dioxide molecules do not permit the radiation to leave

d. carbon dioxide and water vapour both trap infrared radiation.

Answer 1

d

Water vapor constitutes Earth's most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for about 95% of Earth's greenhouse effect.  Other atmospheric greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and miscellaneous other gases such as CFC's.

Water vapor, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation that would otherwise escape to space. This phenomenon, the greenhouse effect, makes the Earth habitable.