<P> The basic mechanism can be qualified in a number of ways , none of which affect the fundamental process . The atmosphere near the surface is largely opaque to thermal radiation ( with important exceptions for `` window '' bands ) , and most heat loss from the surface is by sensible heat and latent heat transport . Radiative energy losses become increasingly important higher in the atmosphere , largely because of the decreasing concentration of water vapor , an important greenhouse gas . It is more realistic to think of the greenhouse effect as applying to a `` surface '' in the mid-troposphere , which is effectively coupled to the surface by a lapse rate . The simple picture also assumes a steady state , but in the real world , there are variations due to the diurnal cycle as well as the seasonal cycle and weather disturbances . Solar heating only applies during daytime . During the night , the atmosphere cools somewhat , but not greatly , because its emissivity is low . Diurnal temperature changes decrease with height in the atmosphere . </P>
<P> The basic mechanism can be qualified in a number of ways , none of which affect the fundamental process . The atmosphere near the surface is largely opaque to thermal radiation ( with important exceptions for `` window '' bands ) , and most heat loss from the surface is by sensible heat and latent heat transport . Radiative energy losses become increasingly important higher in the atmosphere , largely because of the decreasing concentration of water vapor , an important greenhouse gas . It is more realistic to think of the greenhouse effect as applying to a `` surface '' in the mid-troposphere , which is effectively coupled to the surface by a lapse rate . The simple picture also assumes a steady state , but in the real world , there are variations due to the diurnal cycle as well as the seasonal cycle and weather disturbances . Solar heating only applies during daytime . During the night , the atmosphere cools somewhat , but not greatly , because its emissivity is low . Diurnal temperature changes decrease with height in the atmosphere . </P>
where does the greenhouse effect occur in the atmosphere
where does the greenhouse effect occur in the atmosphere
the mid-troposphere
the mid-troposphere