A greenhouse is an imperfect analogy for how Earthʹs atmosphere behaves because longwave radiation is not trapped in the same way it is in a greenhouse.

Question

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Longwave radiation is not trapped in the same way in Earth's atmosphere as it is in a greenhouse. In a greenhouse, the glass walls trap both incoming shortwave radiation and outgoing longwave radiation, leading to an increase in temperature inside. However, in Earth's atmosphere, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor trap outgoing longwave radiation but allow incoming shortwave radiation to pass through, leading to a warming effect.

A Greenhouse Is an Imperfect Analogy for How Earthʹs Atmosphere