Sunlight brings energy to Earth. The warmed surface sends energy outward as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases absorb some of that outgoing radiation and emit radiation in different directions. They do not form a solid lid. Energy still escapes to space, and a stronger greenhouse effect can warm the surface.
Weather and climate · Discover & try
How do greenhouse gases affect escaping energy?
Reading level 1 of 5 · EarlyChange
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Infrared radiation
Electromagnetic radiation emitted strongly by Earth’s warm surface and atmosphere.
Emission
A process that sends out radiation.
Energy balance
The comparison between energy entering and leaving a system.
Watch · Try · Explain
See how it works
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Original radiation-path schematic; the interaction setting is not a CO₂-to-temperature forecast.
What to look for
- Distinguish sunlight from outgoing infrared.
- Follow both upward and downward emission.
- Look for paths that still reach space.
Explain what you noticed
In a separate energy diagram, some infrared rays escape while others are absorbed and re-emitted. Is that compatible with a greenhouse effect?
Keep this idea: Greenhouse gases absorb and emit infrared radiation, slowing heat loss until the energy balance adjusts.
Follow the sources
Source material checked 2026-10-28. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Source links do not imply endorsement.
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