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
Explanation
Statement-I is incorrect because the atmosphere is heated more by terrestrial (long wave) radiation than by incoming solar (short wave) radiation. Solar radiation largely passes through the atmosphere and heats the Earth's surface, which then re-radiates this energy as long wave terrestrial radiation. Statement-II is correct as carbon dioxide, water vapour and other greenhouse gases are indeed effective absorbers of long wave (infrared) terrestrial radiation, which is the primary mechanism warming the lower atmosphere. This selective absorption is the basis of the greenhouse effect.
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