An effect in which greenhouse gases reflect the heat radiated by the planet’s surface back and thus raise the temperature of the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect works not only on Earth, but also on other planets with an atmosphere. The sun’s rays reaching the surface heat it up. The surface then radiates heat in the form of infrared radiation, which can be captured by greenhouse gases and reflected back to the planet. On Earth, the most important greenhouse gases are water vapour, methane and carbon dioxide. They make the surface temperature of the earth suitable for life. Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases can cause an intensification of the greenhouse effect.