Consider the following statements I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Ear…

Question

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?

1. A. I and III only
2. B. I and II only
3. C. I, II and III (Correct answer)
4. D. II and III only

Correct Answer

Option C — I, II and III

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is I, II and III.

Key Points

• Without the atmosphere's greenhouse effect, Earth's average surface temperature would be well below freezing (around -18°C) — Statement I correct.
• The atmosphere absorbs and re-radiates longwave radiation, maintaining Earth's average temperature of ~15°C — Statement II correct.
• Greenhouse gases like CO2 and water vapour are particularly effective at absorbing infrared radiation — Statement III correct. All three are correct.