What phenomenon describes the natural process of the Earth's atmosphere trapping heat?

The greenhouse effect describes the natural process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat. When sunlight reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space and some is absorbed, warming the planet. The Earth then emits this energy as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, absorb some of this outgoing infrared radiation and re-radiate it in all directions, including back towards the surface, effectively keeping the atmosphere and surface warmer than they would be otherwise. This process is essential for maintaining the Earth's temperature and is a key factor in sustaining life.

In contrast, climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, potentially influenced by the greenhouse effect but not limited to it. Radiation is a form of energy transfer that includes all electromagnetic waves, but it is not specifically about the trapping of heat in the atmosphere. Convection is a process of heat transfer through fluids (liquids and gases) involving the movement of warmer, less dense material rising and cooler, denser material sinking, rather than the trapping of heat by atmospheric gases.