Consider the following statements : I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth's surface. II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet's average temperature. III. Atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Which of the statements given above are correct?
A
I and III only
B
I and II only
C
I, II and III
Correct answer
D
II and III only
Explanation
All three statements are correct because the atmosphere, specifically greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, traps outgoing longwave radiation to maintain a life-sustaining average global temperature of approximately 15°C. Option (D) is the most tempting wrong choice if one assumes Statement I is an exaggeration; however, without the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would plummet to -18°C, causing surface temperatures to fall well below freezing. The core concept being tested is the Greenhouse Effect and its role in the Earth's energy balance.
ClimatologyGreenhouse EffectAtmosphereTemperatureGreenhouse gasesCarbon dioxideTerrestrial radiation