The atmosphere traps a part of the sun’s heat that is reflected from earth’s surface. this effect, called the greenhouse effect, is primarily responsible for the moderate average temperatures on earth. what component of the atmosphere causes this to occur? a) the ozone layer b) the layers of the atmosphere c) gases such as oxygen and nitrogen d) gases such as carbon dioxide and methane

The appropriate answer is d. gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are known as greenhouse gases and they trap heat in the form of infrared radiation. Without this effect the earth would be 30 degrees cooler. Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide are examples of other greenhouse gases. An increase in the volume of these gases is responsible for present day global warming that is causing a change in the the earth's climate.