The analogy of a greenhouse is
A) completely unrelated to our Earth-atmosphere system, and should never have been used to describe global warming.
B) exactly how the Earth-atmosphere system operates.
C) a useful, but inaccurate model since atmospheric gases do not trap, but absorb heat.
D) while it incorrectly describes shortwave energy transmission, it perfectly encapsulates how longwave terrestrial radiation is trapped.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greenhouse analogy is a useful model, but it is inaccurate because atmospheric gases do not trap heat in the same way that glass walls trap heat inside a greenhouse. Instead, atmospheric gases absorb heat. However, the analogy is still useful in understanding the overall concept of global warming and the role that greenhouse gases play in it.

The Analogy of a Greenhouse Is