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
Correct answer
Explanation
Statement I is wrong: the atmosphere is largely transparent to incoming short-wave solar radiation, so it is heated mainly from below, by the long-wave (terrestrial) radiation given off by the Earth's surface. Statement II is correct: carbon dioxide, water vapour and other greenhouse gases are good absorbers of long-wave radiation, which is why terrestrial radiation heats the atmosphere. So Statement I is incorrect and Statement II is correct.
Climatology & Atmosphere