UPSC Prelims 2022 – Question 81

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 a warming effect.

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

Answer (d)

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Low, thick clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: High, thin clouds primarily transmit incoming solar radiation; at the same time, they trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth and radiate it back downward, thereby warming the surface of the Earth

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