Gases absorb IR radiation
| The atmosphere of the Earth behaves like a blanket, retaining a portion the heat generated by solar energy. This "greenhouse effect" keeps the average temperature of the Earth about 30 degrees (C) (86 degrees F) warmer than it would be without an atmosphere. This movie describes how clouds and certain atmospheric gasses (such as water vapor and carbon dioxide) provide this warming effect. |
Credit: This movie has been provided by Planet Earth Science, Inc. and is part of an educational CD-ROM product titled "Earth Expeditions: Global Warming."
For more info: http://www.PlanetEarthScience.com/products/Global_Warming.html