Question

atmospheric greenhouse gases cause the greenhouse effect by
○ degrading the natural atmospheric filter against incoming solar energy
○ absorbing heat energy from ultraviolet rays produced by the sun
○ depleting the heavy isotope of oxygen (¹⁸o) from air at the poles
○ preventing the escape of radiant heat from earths surface into space

Explanation:

The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap heat. They do not degrade the atmospheric filter for solar energy (which is mainly about UV - filtering by ozone, not the main greenhouse - gas role). Ultraviolet rays are not the main source of heat energy they absorb in the greenhouse effect context. Depleting \(^{18}\text{O}\) has no relation to the greenhouse effect mechanism. Greenhouse gases (like \(CO_2\), \(CH_4\)) absorb and re - emit infrared radiation (radiant heat) from the Earth's surface, preventing its escape into space.

Answer:

preventing the escape of radiant heat from Earth’s surface into space