The greenhouse effect refers to the way Earth’s atmospheric gases create a barrier that allows the heat from the Sun to penetrate and be absorbed by Earth’s surface. The heat is trapped, much like in a greenhouse. The greenhouse effect on Venus works so “well” that its surface is 457°C. The greenhouse effect on Earth is not as intense, so it is able to sustain life as we know it.

This Reading provides background information on the underlying concepts in the Activities included in the book, Project Earth Science: Astronomy, Revised 2nd Edition. The Readings go beyond what is found in the background information in the Activities. They can be used as supplementary information for the teacher, or to enhance classroom discussions.