Question

The solar radiation that does reach the earth's surface is re-radiated by the Earth largely in the up as an increase in eventually radiated back into:

a) Space
b) Oceans
c) Atmosphere
d) Clouds

Answer 1

Solar radiation that reaches Earth is partially reflected and partially absorbed. The absorbed energy is re-radiated as infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect that warms Earth's surface. Eventually, the absorbed energy is balanced by the energy the Earth radiates back into space.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is, indeed, re-radiated back into space. When solar energy hits the Earth, some of it is reflected immediately by surfaces such as clouds and snow. Approximately 30% is reflected, and the remaining 70% is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans. This absorbed energy is transformed into heat, which is then re-radiated in the form of infrared radiation. Most of this infrared radiation emitted by the Earth is absorbed by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor in the atmosphere and is then emitted in all directions, warming the Earth's surface. This process is part of the natural phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect, which helps to maintain Earth's surface temperature suitable for life. Ultimately, the Earth achieves a balance where the energy absorbed from the sun is equal to the energy it radiates back to space, thus maintaining a relatively constant global temperature.