Consider the following statements regarding the temperature of the Earth’s surface:
- 1. The temperature of a surface is determined by net radiation
- 2. Net radiation produces a radiant energy flow that can heat or cool a surface
- 3. Net radiation balance is usually positive during the daytime and negative during night time
- 4. Soil surface loses energy as temperature increases during the daytime
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1 and 2 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 3 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
Statements 1, 2, and 3 accurately describe aspects of the Earth’s surface temperature and net radiation. The temperature of a surface is fundamentally determined by the balance of incoming and outgoing energy fluxes, which is often dominated by radiation (net radiation). A positive net radiation leads to a net gain of energy and thus heating, while a negative net radiation leads to a net loss of energy and thus cooling. During the daytime, incoming solar radiation is high, typically resulting in a positive net radiation balance. At night, with no incoming solar radiation, the surface loses energy primarily through longwave radiation, leading to a negative net radiation balance.