What Happens When Greenhouse Gases Collect in Earth’s Atmosphere?
Greenhouse gases are special types of gases that can trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere. They are called Greenhouse gases because they trap the heat close to Earth, like how a greenhouse for plants can keep the plants warm during the winter. Some examples of Greenhouse gases are Carbon dioxide and Methane. When these gases are released into Earth’s atmosphere (mainly by humans), the gases settle at the edge of the atmosphere, or blanket of gases that surrounds the Earth. Then, the gases refract or bend the light from the Sun. That magnifies the energy, making the Sun’s heat hotter than it actually is. The Greenhouse gases also trap the Sun’s heat inside of the atmosphere. This is called the Greenhouse Effect. The higher temperatures are causing Climate Change, which could result in ice melting and sea-level rise. Scientists are working on ways that we can reduce the Greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.