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The earth atmosphere is mainly heated by which one of the following ?
Explanation
The Earth's atmosphere is primarily heated from below by long-wave terrestrial radiation. While the Sun emits energy as short-wave radiation (insolation), the atmosphere is largely transparent to these wavelengths, allowing them to pass through and heat the Earth's surface.
Once the surface warms up, it radiates energy back into the atmosphere in the form of long-wave radiation. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and water vapor are highly effective at absorbing this long-wave radiation. This trapped heat warms the air, a process central to the greenhouse effect. In contrast, scattered and reflected solar radiation (albedo) do not contribute significantly to the thermal energy of the atmosphere, as they represent energy sent back into space without being absorbed.
SIMILAR QUESTIONS
The Earth’s atmosphere is mainly heated by which one of the following ?
Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation. Statement-II : Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
Consider the following statements regarding terrestrial radiation :
I. Insolation received by the Earth is in shortwaves.
II. The Earth's energy heats the atmosphere from below.
III. The shortwave radiation from the Earth is absorbed by the greenhouse gases.
Which of the statements given above are correct?