What is $\text{Climate}$? 🌡️
$\text{Climate}$ and $\text{Weather}$ are often confused! **$\text{Weather}$** is what's happening outside right now (e.g., "It's raining today"). **$\text{Climate}$** is the average pattern of $\text{weather}$ in a location over many years (e.g., "The $\text{climate}$ in the desert is usually hot and dry").
The most important natural process influencing $\text{Earth}$'s $\text{climate}$ is the $\text{Greenhouse Effect}$.
The $\text{Greenhouse Effect}$ ☀️
Think of $\text{Earth}$'s atmosphere like a blanket or a greenhouse. It keeps us warm! This is done by special gases called **$\text{Greenhouse Gases}$** ($\text{GHGs}$).
1. Solar Energy Arrives
Shortwave $\text{radiation}$ from the sun enters the atmosphere and warms the $\text{Earth}$'s surface.
2. Heat is Reradiated
The warm $\text{Earth}$ surface releases heat back toward space as longwave infrared $\text{radiation}$.
3. Trapping the Heat
Greenhouse gases ($\text{like Carbon Dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$), Methane, and Water Vapor}$) trap some of this outgoing heat, keeping the $\text{Earth}$ warm enough for life.
Video: $\text{Greenhouse Effect}$ and $\text{Climate Change}$ 🧊
Watch a simple demonstration of how $\text{GHGs}$ affect $\text{Earth}$'s temperature.
Practice Problems ($\text{Weather}$ vs. $\text{Climate}$)
Click the correct term for each statement.
⚡ $\text{Greenhouse Gas}$ Challenge!
Click on the items that are considered **$\text{Greenhouse Gases}$** ($\text{GHGs}$) and contribute to warming.
Reset Your Score
If you want to play again, you can reset your score here.