Which one of the following is not correct in the context of daytime he

Which one of the following is not correct in the context of daytime heating experienced on the Earth?

[amp_mcq option1=”The highest daytime temperatures usually occur several hours after the time of maximum solar input” option2=”Equilibrium between incoming and outgoing radiation occurs about an hour and a half after sunset” option3=”The extent of daily lag in maximum temperature varies” option4=”Presence of vegetation cover reduces the maximum temperature” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2022

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Equilibrium between incoming and outgoing radiation, leading to maximum temperature, occurs when the rate of energy gain equals the rate of energy loss. During the day, incoming solar radiation exceeds outgoing radiation. Maximum temperature is reached when the net radiation balance becomes zero or slightly negative, typically in the mid-afternoon, several hours *after* solar noon (maximum solar input). After sunset, there is no incoming solar radiation, and the Earth continues to lose radiation, so outgoing radiation significantly exceeds incoming (zero). Equilibrium (net radiation=0) does *not* occur after sunset; the surface cools.

– There is a lag between the time of maximum solar radiation input (solar noon) and the time of maximum daily temperature due to the heat capacity of the surface and atmosphere.
– Maximum temperature occurs when the net energy balance transitions from positive (energy gain) to negative (energy loss). This transition point usually happens a few hours after maximum solar input and *before* sunset.
– After sunset, the net radiation balance is negative, and the surface cools.

The duration of the temperature lag (C) is influenced by factors like wind speed (mixing), cloud cover (insulation), humidity (evaporative cooling, water vapour greenhouse effect), and the thermal properties of the surface material. Vegetation cover (D) promotes evapotranspiration, which consumes energy (latent heat), thus reducing the energy available for sensible heating and lowering maximum surface and air temperatures.

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