The natural process of the atmosphere heating through the trapping of re-radiated infrared radiation is known as?

The natural process by which the atmosphere heats up due to the trapping of re-radiated infrared radiation is known as the **greenhouse effect**. Here’s how it works:

1. Incoming Solar Radiation: Solar energy from the Sun reaches the Earth’s atmosphere and surface.

2. Absorption and Reflection: Some of the solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth’s surface, which warms it. The Earth’s surface then re-emits this energy as infrared radiation (heat).

3. Greenhouse Gases: Certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O), and others, are known as greenhouse gases. These gases trap and absorb the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface.

4. Radiative Balance: The absorbed infrared radiation warms the atmosphere, contributing to the overall temperature of the Earth. This process maintains a balance between the incoming solar radiation and the outgoing infrared radiation, regulating the Earth’s temperature and making it suitable for life—a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming and climate change.