FIGURE 62.2 The greenhouse effect. When the high-energy radiation from the Sun strikes the atmosphere, about one-third is reflected from the atmosphere, clouds, and the surface of the planet. Much of the high-energy ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer where it is converted to low-energy infrared radiation. Some of the ultraviolet radiation and much of the visible light strikes the land and water of Earth where it is also converted into low-energy infrared radiation. The infrared radiation radiates back toward the atmosphere where it is absorbed by greenhouse gases that radiate much of it back toward the surface of Earth. Collectively, these processes cause warming of the planet.