Q81.
Consider the following statements: 1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth. 2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth's surface and thus cause warming effect. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
D
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: It is LOW, THICK clouds that primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth — not high clouds. Statement 2 is incorrect: HIGH, THIN clouds primarily transmit incoming solar radiation; at the same time, they trap some outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, thereby warming the surface. Low clouds cool (by reflecting sunlight) while high clouds warm (by trapping infrared).