UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

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?

  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.

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Explanation

The atmosphere is heated primarily by terrestrial radiation emitted by Earth's surface, rather than directly by incoming solar radiation. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases absorb outgoing long-wave terrestrial radiation. Therefore, Statement-I is incorrect, while Statement-II is correct.

Topics: atmospheric heating, climatology, geography, greenhouse effect