Consider the following statements:Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing p

Question

Consider the following statements:Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth’s surface.Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet’s average temperature.Atmosphere’s gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiationWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

The atmosphere is a mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth. It helps make life possible by providing us with air to breathe, shielding us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from the Sun, trapping heat to warm the planet, and preventing extreme temperature differences between day and night. Without the atmosphere, temperatures would be well below freezing everywhere on Earth's surface. This is because the atmosphere plays a crucial role in trapping heat through the natural greenhouse effect, preventing much of the outgoing infrared radiation from escaping into space. Hence, statement I is correct. The heat absorbed and trapped by our atmosphere keeps our planet's average surface temperature at a balmy 15°C (59°F). Some of the atmosphere's gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation. Changes in the amounts of these gases directly affect our climate. Hence, statements II and III are correct.