Question

At what time of the day does the most radiational cooling occur?

1) at solar noon when the positive net radiation is the greatest
2) during the night with cloudy skies and wind
3) during the night with clear skies and low humidity
4) at sunset when net radiation is transitioning

Answer 1

Radiational cooling is most significant during the night with clear skies and low humidity because clouds can trap heat, and humid air retains heat more than dry air.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most radiational cooling occurs during the night with clear skies and low humidity. This is because clouds can act as a blanket, trapping heat and making cloudy nights generally warmer than clear ones. With clear skies, there's no such insulation, allowing heat to escape more efficiently into space. Additionally, low humidity allows for easier heat loss, as moist air tends to retain heat more effectively than dry air.