Article
Article
Greenhouse effect
Article By:
Lacis, Andrew A. Goddard Institute for Space Studies, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, New York, New York.
Last reviewed:June 2017
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.299800
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The ability of a planetary atmosphere to inhibit heat loss from the planet's surface, thereby enhancing the surface warming that is produced by the absorption of solar radiation. The greenhouse effect acts like a thermal blanket, limiting heat loss by conduction and convection. In recent decades, the term has also become associated with the issues of global warming and climate change induced by human activity. See also: Atmosphere; Solar radiation
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