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GCSE Geography · key term
Additional warming caused by human activities increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 3.1.1.4 · Paper 1
Revise: Causes of Climate ChangeMore outgoing radiation is absorbed and more energy is emitted back towards the surface, producing additional warming. This is the enhanced greenhouse effect. It strengthens an existing natural process rather than creating a completely new one.
Specification 2.3 · Paper 1
The additional warming caused by human activities increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Distinguish the enhanced greenhouse effect from ozone depletion: global warming is not caused by a ‘hole’ letting more sunlight through.
For human-caused warming, use the term ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’: the natural greenhouse effect is necessary for life.
Do not confuse the enhanced greenhouse effect with ozone depletion. They are different processes.
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The enhanced greenhouse effect is the strengthening of this process. As human activities increase greenhouse gas concentrations, more outgoing long-wave radiation is absorbed. Initially, less energy escapes to space, so Earth gains energy and warms.
Paper 1
Additional warming caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, largely due to human activities.
Revise: Causes of Human-Induced Climate ChangeThe surface and lower atmosphere warm, producing the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Specification 2.1b · Paper 1, Paper 3
The strengthening of the greenhouse effect as human activities increase atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, causing additional warming.
Revise: Natural and Human CausesThe surface and lower atmosphere warm: this is the enhanced greenhouse effect.