Energy calculations that simply equate the influx of solar energy on Earth with the outflow of energy from Earth lead to a very low average equilibrium temperature for Earth, of around -18°C or -0.7°F, which is much lower than the actual average surface temperature of Earth, +14°C or 57°F. What mechanism explains this discrepancy between the simple prediction and observation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect explains the discrepancy between the simple prediction and observation of Earth's average equilibrium temperature. Greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, trap heat radiation from the Sun and from Earth's surface, which raises the temperature of the planet above what it would be without these gases.

Energy Calculations That Simply Equate the Influx of Solar Energy