UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 50
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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct)
Explanation: The lower atmosphere is heated largely by Earth’s absorbed and re-emitted long-wave radiation; greenhouse gases absorb that terrestrial infrared radiation.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
I. Incorrect/False - Incoming solar short-wave radiation largely passes through air; surface-emitted long-wave energy heats it.
II. Correct/True - CO₂ and other greenhouse gases absorb terrestrial infrared radiation.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-Statement I is false: Incoming solar short-wave radiation largely passes through air; surface-emitted long-wave energy heats it.
B. Incorrect-Statement I is false: Incoming solar short-wave radiation largely passes through air; surface-emitted long-wave energy heats it.
C. Incorrect-Statement I is false: Incoming solar short-wave radiation largely passes through air; surface-emitted long-wave energy heats it.
D. Correct-Statement I is false and Statement II is true.