• When shortwave radiation from the sun strikes the Earth’s surface it is absorbed and?re-emitted?from the surface of the Earth as infrared radiation
• Much of the radiation, however, is?trapped?inside the Earth’s atmosphere by?greenhouse gases?which can absorb and store the energy
• Carbon dioxide, methane?and?water vapour?are gases that have this effect
• Increasing levels of carbon dioxide, although present in only a small amount, is causing significant upset to the Earth’s natural conditions by trapping extra heat energy
• This process is called the?enhanced?greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases trap some of the Sun's radiation causing the Earth to warm up

Carbon dioxide

• Sources:?Combustion of wood and fossil fuels, respiration of plants and animals, thermal decomposition of carbonate rocks and the effect of acids on carbonates