Consider the following statements:
1. The atmosphere is largely opaque to shortwave solar radiations.
2. Water vapor in the lower atmosphere plays a significant role in absorbing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. The atmosphere is largely opaque to shortwave solar radiations.
2. Water vapor in the lower atmosphere plays a significant role in absorbing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is not Correct: The atmosphere is largely transparent to shortwave solar radiation, allowing sunlight to reach the Earth's surface. This transparency is crucial for energy transfer and drives Earth's weather and climate systems. Gases like oxygen and nitrogen do not significantly absorb shortwave radiation.

Statement 2 is Correct: Water vapor, along with carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, absorbs infrared radiation (longwave radiation) emitted by the Earth's surface. This absorption traps heat in the lower atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and maintaining Earth's habitable temperatures.

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements: 1. The atmosphere is largely opaque to shortwave solar radiations. 2. Water vapor in the lower atmosphere plays a significant role in absorbing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2