Consider the following statements regarding the temperature of the Earth's surface: 1. The temperature of a surface is determined by net radiation 2. Net radiation produces a radiant energy flow that can heat or cool a surface 3. Net radiation balance is usually positive during the daytime and negative during night time 4. Soil surface loses energy as temperature increases during the daytime

The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3 only.

• Statement 1 is correct: Surface temperature is governed by the net radiation, which is the balance between incoming and outgoing radiation.
• Statement 2 is correct: Net radiation creates an energy flow. Positive net radiation heats the surface; negative net radiation cools it.
• Statement 3 is correct: During the day, incoming solar radiation exceeds outgoing terrestrial radiation, making the net balance positive. At night, without solar input, the surface continuously emits radiation, making the balance negative.
• Statement 4 is incorrect: During the daytime, soil temperature increases precisely because it experiences a net gain in energy, not a net loss. Although outgoing radiation increases as it gets hotter, the total incoming energy remains higher, leading to overall energy accumulation and warming.