Which increases the amount of thermal energy on Earth according to scientists? (1 point) Responses More heat from Earth’s core is being conducted to the surface. More heat from Earth’s core is being conducted to the surface. There is more convection occurring on Earth. There is more convection occurring on Earth. An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat. An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat. The sun has grown brighter.
An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat.
According to scientists, an increase in greenhouse gases has trapped more heat, which leads to an increase in the amount of thermal energy on Earth.
According to scientists, the increase in the amount of thermal energy on Earth is primarily attributed to an increase in greenhouse gases trapping heat. This is known as the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are released into the atmosphere through human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. These gases trap heat that would otherwise escape into space, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
To find this answer, we can analyze each option provided:
1. "More heat from Earth’s core being conducted to the surface": While the Earth's core does produce heat, this option is not considered to be a significant contributor to the increase in thermal energy on Earth's surface.
2. "There is more convection occurring on Earth": Convection refers to the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids or gases. While convection plays a role in redistributing heat, it is not primarily responsible for the increase in thermal energy on Earth.
3. "An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat": This option aligns with the explanation above and is the correct answer. The increased levels of greenhouse gases, due to human activities, have resulted in the trapping of heat within the Earth's atmosphere.
4. "The sun has grown brighter": While the sun's energy is a significant source of thermal energy for Earth, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the sun has grown brighter in recent times to explain the increase in thermal energy on Earth.
Therefore, the correct response is: "An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat."