What is the phenomenon called that traps solar radiation in Earth's atmosphere?

The phenomenon known as the Greenhouse Effect is crucial for understanding how solar radiation is trapped in Earth’s atmosphere. It refers to the process by which certain gases, known as greenhouse gases, absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. This process occurs when sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, and some of that energy is reflected back towards space. However, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere—such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor—capture much of this outgoing energy, preventing it from escaping and thereby warming the atmosphere. This effect is fundamental to maintaining a temperature that supports life on Earth.

Understanding the Greenhouse Effect is essential as it also connects to broader discussions about climate change and global warming. While global warming is the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities and greenhouse gas emissions, the Greenhouse Effect itself describes the natural process that allows for that temperature to rise, making it a foundational concept in environmental science.