Question

Which of the following is primarily responsible for warming of the Earth?

Options

• Solar radiation is immediately absorbed by carbon dioxide, which then releases it as heat.

• The atmosphere’s tiny particles absorb incoming solar radiation, which directly heats the Earth.

• The Earth’s surface absorbs solar radiation, which is then re-radiated and trapped by greenhouse gases.

• The Earth’s environment is heated only by the solar radiation reflected by the clouds.

Answer 1

The Earth’s surface absorbs solar radiation, which is then re-radiated and trapped by greenhouse gases.

Explanation:

Sunlight warms the Earth’s surface, which then re-radiates infrared heat. Greenhouse gases like $$\mathrm{CO_2}$$, $$\mathrm{CH_4}$$ and water vapour trap this outgoing heat.