Lesson 3 Vocabulary Heating Earth’s Surface Radiation – direct transfer of heat energy by electromagnetic waves Greenhouse gases – water vapor and carbon dioxide Greenhouse effect – energy that is re-radiated back to the Earth (If energy were not absorbed and radiated, the overall surface temperature of the Earth could not remain in equilibrium).
Conduction – the process by which heat energy transfers from one material to another through direct contact Convection – heat energy transfers as a result of the circulating motion of a fluid, usually a gas or liquid.