What phenomenon is caused by heat being trapped in the Earth's atmosphere?

The phenomenon that involves heat being trapped in the Earth's atmosphere is known as the Greenhouse Effect. This process occurs when certain gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, allow sunlight to enter but prevent some of the heat that the sunlight generates from escaping back into space. This leads to a warming effect on the planet's surface, as these gases reflect and re-radiate some of that heat, helping to maintain temperatures that are conducive to life.

In contrast, global warming is a broader term that refers specifically to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases. Although the Greenhouse Effect is a driving force behind global warming, the two terms are not synonymous.

The ozone layer refers to a region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules, which absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. It does not directly relate to the trapping of heat, but rather to the protection from UV radiation.

Acid rain, on the other hand, results from the precipitation of acidic components like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can be linked to air pollutants. While it affects ecosystems and environments, it does not