Question

Which of the following best describes the solar radiation absorbed by and radiated from earth?

a. Most incoming solar energy is absorbed by the atmosphere.
b. Only a small fraction of energy radiating from Earth is from the atmosphere.
The Earth's surface is responsible for a small fraction of heat radiation to space.
d. Earth's surface absorbs little of the energy that strikes as solar radiation,
Please select the best answer from the choices provided
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Answer 1

a. Most incoming solar energy is absorbed by the atmosphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

Most incoming solar energy is absorbed by the atmosphere. 29 percent of the solar energy that reaches the atmosphere is reflected to space by clouds, atmospheric particles, or bright ground surfaces like sea ice and snow. About 23 percent of incoming solar energy is absorbed by water vapor, dust, and ozone in the atmosphere leaving only about 48 percent solar energy remaining which passes through the atmosphere to the earth surface.