"The sun emits short-wave radiation which passes through the atmosphere to Earth. The Earth then radiates some of the sun's energy back into the atmosphere in the form of long-wave infra-red radiation." Since the atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen and does not retain heat, gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, ozone and nitrous oxide trap some of the infra-red radiation. ...

• Word Count: 834
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School