Atmosphere heating by radiation

Question

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? A). Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I B). Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I C). Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect D). Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Edvaya · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct. Statement-I is Incorrect: The Earth's atmosphere is largely transparent to incoming shortwave solar radiation. It absorbs very little of it. Instead, the Earth's surface absorbs this solar energy, heats up, and radiates it back as longwave terrestrial radiation. The atmosphere is heated primarily from below by this terrestrial radiation. Statement-II is Correct: Greenhouse gases like Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour are largely opaque to longwave (infrared) radiation. They absorb the outgoing terrestrial radiation, which is the primary mechanism that heats the atmosphere (the greenhouse effect). Official Key: (d)

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