Without the Atmosphere, Earth Would Be Frozen
Some atmospheric gases absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat through the greenhouse effect. Without those gases, Earth's average surface temperature would be about −18 °C instead of 15 °C.Earth's Atmosphere and the Greenhouse Effect
Cloudy Nights Prove It
On clear nights, the ground cools faster than on cloudy nights. Clouds are strong absorbers and emitters of infrared radiation, so they slow heat loss.Earth's Atmosphere and the Greenhouse Effect
