The atmosphere is mainly heated by the:a) Short wave solar radiationb)...
option C is the correct answer. The atmosphere is mainly heated by long wave terrestrial radiation, also known as infra-red radiation. This type of radiation is emitted by the Earth's surface and lower atmosphere, and it is responsible for warming the air and contributing to the overall temperature of the planet. Short wave solar radiation, reflected solar radiation, and scattered solar radiation all contribute to heating the atmosphere as well, but long wave terrestrial radiation is the primary source of heat for the atmosphere. This is because long wave radiation has a longer wavelength and a lower frequency than short wave radiation, which means it is able to penetrate the atmosphere more easily and reach the Earth's surface more effectively
The atmosphere is mainly heated by the:a) Short wave solar radiationb)...
The Heating of Atmosphere
The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds the earth. It is mainly heated by the long wave terrestrial radiation.
Explanation
- The sun emits short-wave solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface. This radiation is absorbed by the earth's surface and then re-emitted as long-wave terrestrial radiation.
- The long-wave terrestrial radiation is absorbed by the gases in the atmosphere, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone. These gases trap the heat and prevent it from escaping into space.
- This process is known as the greenhouse effect and is responsible for keeping the earth's temperature within a range that is suitable for life.
- The atmosphere is also heated by convection. As the sun heats the earth's surface, the air near the surface is warmed and rises. This creates a convection current that carries heat upward into the atmosphere.
- However, the main source of heat in the atmosphere is the long-wave terrestrial radiation, which is responsible for the majority of the warming of the atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the atmosphere is mainly heated by the long wave terrestrial radiation, which is absorbed by the gases in the atmosphere and trapped by the greenhouse effect. While convection also plays a role in heating the atmosphere, it is not the primary source of heat.