The earth atmosphere is mainly heated by which one of the following?
Verified Answer
A. Long wave terrestrial radiation
B. Scattered solar radiation
C. Reflected solar radiation
D. Short wave solar radiation
Explanation:
The Earth's atmosphere is primarily heated indirectly. Shortwave solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and heats the Earth's surface. The heated surface then emits longwave terrestrial radiation, which is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thereby heating the atmosphere. Therefore, longwave terrestrial radiation is the main source of heating for the Earth's atmosphere.