Molecules vibrate Molecules that have just two atoms vibrate by simply moving closer together and then further apart The nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) molecules in the animation are vibrating in this simple mode Molecules with 3 or more atoms can vibrate in more complex patterns A single molecule can vibrate in various ways; An enhanced greenhouse effect from CO2 has been confirmed by multiple lines of empirical evidence Satellite measurements of infrared spectra over the past 40 years observe less energy escaping to space at the wavelengths associated with CO2 Surface measurements find more downward infrared radiation warming the planet's surface This provides a direct, empirical Noncondensing greenhouse gases, which account for 25% of the total terrestrial greenhouse effect, thus serve to provide the stable temperature structure that sustains the current levels of atmospheric water vapor and clouds via feedback processes that account for the remaining 75% of the greenhouse effect
Greenhouse Gas Energy Education
