QUES . Consider the following statements: UPSC 2024

Statement-I:

The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation then 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.

Ans (d)

Must read: HEATING AND COOLING OF ATMOSPHERE

EXPLANATION:

The insolation received by the earth is in short waves forms and heats up its surface.

The earth after being heated itself becomes a radiating body and it radiates energy to the atmosphere in long wave form.

This energy heats up the atmosphere from below. This process is known as terrestrial radiation.

The long wave radiation is absorbed by the atmospheric gases particularly by carbon dioxide and the other green house gases. Thus, the atmosphere is indirectly heated by the earth’s radiation.

The atmosphere in turn radiates and transmits heat to the space.

Finally the amount of heat received from the sun is returned to space, thereby maintaining constant temperature at the earth’s surface and in the atmosphere.