Greenhouse Effect
Warming of Earth's atmosphere caused by greenhouse gases trapping outgoing infrared radiation.
Formula
Without greenhouse effect: Earth's mean temperature ≈ −18°C (actual ≈ +15°C, difference ≈ 33°C)
Real World
Venus has a runaway greenhouse effect with an atmosphere of 96% CO₂, producing surface temperatures of 465°C — hotter than Mercury despite being further from the Sun — demonstrating the extreme power of greenhouse gas warming.
Exam Focus
Distinguish the natural greenhouse effect (essential for life) from the enhanced effect (human-caused) — conflating them loses marks.
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