which describes the trapping of heat energy due to high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
a. weather patterns
b. greenhouse affect
c. global warming
d. climate change
b. greenhouse effect
The correct answer is b. greenhouse affect.
The correct answer is b. greenhouse effect.
To explain how to get the answer, let's break down each option:
a. weather patterns: Weather patterns refer to the short-term changes in the atmosphere, such as temperature, precipitation, wind direction, and so on. Although high levels of carbon dioxide can influence weather patterns indirectly, it does not directly describe the trapping of heat energy due to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
b. greenhouse effect: The greenhouse effect describes the process through which certain gases, including carbon dioxide, trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases act like the glass of a greenhouse, allowing sunlight to enter but preventing a significant amount of the heat from escaping, causing the planet to warm.
c. global warming: Global warming is the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system. It is primarily caused by the increase in greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, as a result of human activities. The trapping of heat energy due to high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to global warming.
d. climate change: Climate change refers to the long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of the Earth's climate system. While climate change is influenced by various factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, it does not specifically describe the trapping of heat energy due to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Therefore, the correct answer is b. greenhouse effect, as it best describes the trapping of heat energy due to high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.