Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth's surface, because
1. the atmos

Question

Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth's surface, because
1. the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth's surface
2. there is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3. the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C because of the following reasons:

Statement 1 is correct. The atmosphere is not heated directly by incoming shortwave solar radiation. Instead, the Earth absorbs solar energy and radiates it back as longwave terrestrial radiation. This heats the air from the ground up, meaning layers closer to the surface are warmer than those higher up.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Moisture and water vapor are concentrated in the lower layers of the atmosphere due to gravity. As altitude increases, the amount of moisture decreases significantly.

Statement 3 is correct. Air density is highest at the surface and decreases with height. Thinner air in the upper atmosphere has a lower capacity to absorb and retain heat compared to the dense air near the surface.

Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 explain why temperature decreases with increasing height in the troposphere.

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

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