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: incorrect Without an atmosphere, Earth’s surface would lose heat rapidly and become much colder, like the Moon. But a point of time the temperature of every point on surface of the will not be below zero (Highest being 121C). On Average (Earth as a whole) the temperature will be below zero (-18C to be precise)

Statement II: Correct The atmosphere traps heat via the greenhouse effect, maintaining a temperature suitable for life.

Statement III: Correct Gases like CO₂, methane, and water vapor absorb infrared radiation, causing the greenhouse effect.

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