Consider the following statements :
I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point

Question

Consider the following statements :
I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth's surface.
II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet's average temperature.
III. Atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

All three statements about Earth's atmosphere and temperature are correct:

I. Without atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing everywhere: Correct. Without the greenhouse effect of atmospheric gases, Earth's average temperature would be about -18°C (-0.4°F) instead of the current +15°C (+59°F), making the planet largely frozen.

II. Heat absorbed and trapped by atmosphere maintains planet's average temperature: Correct. The atmosphere acts as a thermal blanket, absorbing solar radiation and trapping outgoing longwave radiation, maintaining Earth's habitable temperature range through the greenhouse effect.

III. Atmospheric gases like CO₂ are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation: Correct. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor effectively absorb infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface and re-radiate it, creating the warming effect essential for life.

Answer

I and III only

Answer

I and II only

Answer

I, II and III

Answer

II and III only

Explanation

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