The incident solar radiation is trapped by constituents of the atmosph

The incident solar radiation is trapped by constituents of the atmosphere and reflect it partly towards the Earth as

[amp_mcq option1=”microwaves” option2=”thermal infrared rays” option3=”ultraviolet rays” option4=”shortwave radiation” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2022

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The Earth absorbs incoming shortwave solar radiation and re-emits it as longwave radiation, primarily in the form of thermal infrared rays. Certain atmospheric constituents, known as greenhouse gases, absorb this outgoing infrared radiation and re-emit it in all directions, including back towards the Earth’s surface. This re-emitted radiation is thermal infrared.

– Incoming solar radiation is mostly shortwave (visible, UV, near-IR).
– Outgoing Earth radiation is mostly longwave (thermal infrared).
– Greenhouse gases absorb longwave radiation.
– The greenhouse effect involves the re-emission of absorbed longwave radiation back towards the surface.

Microwaves have longer wavelengths than infrared. Ultraviolet rays are part of the incoming solar radiation spectrum. Shortwave radiation refers generally to incoming solar energy. The trapped and re-directed energy from the atmosphere to the surface is specifically in the thermal infrared range.

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