Runaway greenhouse effect

Definition

The runaway greenhouse effect occurs when a planet's atmosphere traps so much heat that the temperature continuously rises uncontrollably. This leads to extreme surface conditions, making the planet inhospitable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Venus is the prime example of a runaway greenhouse effect in our solar system.
2. The dense carbon dioxide atmosphere of Venus traps heat, causing surface temperatures to exceed 450°C (842°F).
3. This phenomenon makes Venus hotter than Mercury, even though Mercury is closer to the Sun.
4. Runaway greenhouse effects are caused by positive feedback loops, where heating causes more heating.
5. Understanding this effect on Venus helps scientists study climate change and potential future scenarios on Earth.

Review Questions

• What causes the runaway greenhouse effect?
• Why is Venus hotter than Mercury despite being farther from the Sun?
• What role does carbon dioxide play in Venus's runaway greenhouse effect?

Related terms

Greenhouse Effect: The process by which certain gases in a planet's atmosphere trap heat, warming the planet.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to the trapping of heat in planetary atmospheres.

Positive Feedback Loop: A process where an initial change will cause additional changes in the same direction, amplifying the original effect.