How does the greenhouse effect influence the climate on Earth?

• A. It prevents the formation of clouds, reducing precipitation worldwide.
• B. It decreases the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, resulting in drier climates.
• C. It reflects all incoming solar radiation back into space, causing global cooling.
• D. It traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapor (H₂O), trap heat from the Sun, preventing it from escaping back into space.
2. Step 2: Explain how this process works. Solar radiation enters Earth's atmosphere and reaches the surface, warming it. The Earth's surface then emits infrared radiation (heat) back toward the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate this heat, keeping the planet warm.
3. Step 3: Clarify the impact of the greenhouse effect on Earth's climate. By trapping heat, the greenhouse effect maintains Earth's temperature at a level suitable for life. However, an enhanced greenhouse effect, caused by increased levels of greenhouse gases due to human activities, leads to global warming and climate change.
4. Step 4: Address the incorrect options in the problem. The greenhouse effect does not prevent cloud formation or reduce precipitation. It does not decrease water vapor in the atmosphere, nor does it reflect all incoming solar radiation back into space. Instead, it traps heat, leading to an increase in global temperatures.
5. Step 5: Conclude by emphasizing the correct answer. The greenhouse effect traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures, which is a key factor in understanding climate change and its impacts on Earth.