How do greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere?

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Grinnell Glacier shrinkage — Climate change A series of photographs of the Grinnell Glacier taken from the summit of Mount Gould in Glacier National Park, Montana, in (from left) 1938, 1981, 1998, and 2006. In 1938 the Grinnell Glacier filled the entire area at the bottom of the image. By 2006 it had largely disappeared from this view.

Greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface and reradiating it back. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, is crucial for maintaining a habitable temperature on Earth. However, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have significantly increased the concentration of these gases, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

Key greenhouse gases include:
* Water vapor
* Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
* Methane (CH₄)
* Nitrous oxides (N₂O)
* Surface-level ozone (O₃)
* Fluorinated gases12345