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What is the greenhouse effect? Earth’s atmosphere is composed of an assortment of gases, some of which trap heat. These gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) water vapor (H2O), ozone (O3), and more, are referred to as greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases help insulate the planet, capturing heat from incoming solar radiation. […] Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a category of gases that absorb heat energy emitted from the planet's surface and they remain in Earth's atmosphere for a long time (from decades to centuries). The greenhouse effect is the process by which the Earth’s atmosphere retains heat due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane in the air. Global Change Infographic The greenhouse effect occurs in the atmosphere, and is an essential part of How the Earth System Works. Click the image on the left to open the Understanding Global Change Infographic. Locate the greenhouse effect icon and identify other topics that cause changes to, or are affected by, the greenhouse effect.
