The greenhouse effect causes an increase in global temperatures.This increase is due primarily to ________.
A)CO₂ and other greenhouse gases allowing more solar radiation to penetrate Earth's surface
B)CO₂ and other greenhouse gases slowing the escape of UV radiation from Earth
C)the loss of ozone that trapped cooling UV radiation in the atmosphere
D)CO₂ and other greenhouse gases slowing the escape of heat from Earth

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect is caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor trapping heat in the atmosphere. This results in a slowed escape of heat from Earth, leading to an increase in global temperatures. Option A is incorrect because greenhouse gases trap heat, not allow more solar radiation to penetrate Earth's surface. Option B is incorrect because greenhouse gases do not affect the escape of UV radiation, which is in a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum than heat. Option C is incorrect because the loss of ozone actually allows more UV radiation to reach Earth's surface, which would have a cooling effect rather than warming.

The Greenhouse Effect Causes an Increase in Global Temperatures