UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2023

With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
  2. Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
  3. Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
  4. Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Answer

Correct Answer

Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.

Explanation

Infrared radiation from the sun is largely absorbed by water vapour concentrated in the lower atmosphere, contributing to atmospheric heating; the other statements misrepresent insolation proportions and the electromagnetic spectrum.

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