Which increases the amount of thermal energy on Earth according to scientists? (1 point)
Responses
There is more convection occurring on Earth.
There is more convection occurring on Earth.
The sun has grown brighter.
The sun has grown brighter.
More heat from Earth’s core is being conducted to the surface.
More heat from Earth’s core is being conducted to the surface.
An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat.
An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat.
An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat.
To determine which factor increases the amount of thermal energy on Earth according to scientists, we need to evaluate each option.
1. Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (such as air or water). While convection does play a role in redistributing heat on Earth, it does not directly increase the overall amount of thermal energy.
2. Solar Brightness: The sun is the primary source of thermal energy for Earth. If the sun were to become brighter, it would indeed increase the amount of thermal energy received by Earth. However, this option doesn't provide any information on whether the sun has actually grown brighter or not.
3. Heat from Earth's Core: The Earth's core is a significant source of thermal energy. If more heat from the core were conducted to the surface, it would contribute to an increase in thermal energy on Earth. However, this option also does not provide any evidence of whether this is happening or not.
4. Greenhouse Gases: This option states that an increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat. According to scientific consensus, an increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, does indeed trap more heat in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as the greenhouse effect, results in an overall increase in the amount of thermal energy on Earth.
Therefore, the correct answer is: An increase in greenhouse gases has trapped heat.