Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation…

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?
  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Solution

The atmosphere is heated MORE by terrestrial (long-wave) radiation than by direct insolation — incoming short-wave radiation largely passes through. So Statement-I is wrong. CO2 and other GHGs are good absorbers of long-wave (terrestrial) radiation — Statement-II is correct.

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2024

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