QUESTION

Easy

Physical Geography

Prelims 2025

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?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement I is correct: Without the atmosphere to trap heat, the Earth’s surface temperature would drop to well below freezing, making it too cold to support life as we know it. In statement 1 though it's an extreme statement but from UPSC CSE point of view it's generally considered true.

Statement II is correct: The atmosphere absorbs and retains heat (a natural greenhouse effect), which helps maintain the Earth’s average temperature within a habitable range.

Statement III is correct: Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor are particularly effective at absorbing and trapping infrared radiation, helping to warm the planet.

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