Simple Example of the Greenhouse Effect
(0% Solar absorbed, 100% IR absorbed)
1 Unit Incoming Solar
1
1/2
1/4
1/8
1/16
1/2
1/4
1/8
1/16
1 Unit Outgoing IR to Space
2 Units IR Emitted by Ground
½ emitted to space
½ emitted to ground
Take Home Point: Surface is warmer with selectively absorbing atmosphere than it would be without it.