What is the greenhouse effect? The natural process where the sun's energy is trapped by the atmosphere to make the Earth warm enough for life. A process that is destroying the environment. A process that is melting the polar ice caps. A process that cools the Earth so it does not get too hot.

Question

What is the greenhouse effect?   The natural process where the sun's energy is trapped by the atmosphere to make the Earth warm enough for life.   A process that is destroying the environment.   A process that is melting the polar ice caps.   A process that cools the Earth so it does not get too hot.

festinger · Answer

If we look at the moon, we will realise that it is cool. A suitable answer to that is that it's because the moon does not have an atmosphere.

What does the atmosphere, air, have to do with all this? The answer takes us to a view that the atmosphere does more than just allow us to breath -- it actually traps heat. By trapping heat, it allowed us to live. Hence, it is a natural process.

However, too much greenhouse effect traps too much heat, and it will eventually melt the polar ice caps. But that's not the process by which melts the ice caps.

anonymous · Answer

The radiations from sun are reflected by the earth's surface ,while reflecting the wavelength of these radiations get increased(as energy gets decreased)
and hence the heat energy is being trapped by some green house gasses.
As @Festinger said this effect helps to create an excellent condition for the sustenance of life, but if the amount of these gasses (green house gasses) is increased excessively(which sadly is happening), the average temp of earth's atmosphere rises...thus causing various problems which we all r aware

chenping · Answer

Go watch the 6 degree changes on Earth to know more :)