How does the greenhouse effect enable life on Earth? (1 point)
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• It keeps out the sun's harmful UV radiation.
• It keeps the atmosphere thick.
• It controls the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
• It allows the atmosphere to retain heat.
• It allows the atmosphere to retain heat.
The greenhouse effect enables life on Earth by allowing the atmosphere to retain heat.
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that plays a vital role in enabling life on Earth. To understand how it enables life, let's break down the options provided:
1. It keeps out the sun's harmful UV radiation.
This option is not directly related to the greenhouse effect. The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, primarily protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
2. It keeps the atmosphere thick.
While the greenhouse effect does not keep the atmosphere thick, it does contribute to the overall energy balance of the Earth. By trapping heat in the atmosphere, it helps to maintain the average temperature of the planet.
3. It controls the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
This statement is partially correct. While the greenhouse effect does not actively control the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it is influenced by the concentration of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have increased the levels of carbon dioxide, resulting in an amplified greenhouse effect.
4. It allows the atmosphere to retain heat.
This statement best describes the role of the greenhouse effect. The Earth's atmosphere acts like a "greenhouse," allowing sunlight to enter but trapping heat from escaping back into space. This trapped heat warms the planet, making it habitable for life as we know it.
Therefore, the correct answer is that the greenhouse effect enables life on Earth by allowing the atmosphere to retain heat.