Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2023 · Geography · Question 72

With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
  2. Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
  3. Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
  4. Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Answer

Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.

  • (a) Incorrect. Insolation at the equator is higher than at the poles, but not about 10 times; the difference is far smaller.
  • (b) Incorrect. Insolation is mainly shortwave solar radiation; visible light forms the largest share, while infrared is not roughly two-thirds.
  • (c) Correct. Water vapour is concentrated in the lower atmosphere and strongly absorbs infrared radiation.
  • (d) Incorrect. Infrared lies beyond the red end of the visible spectrum; it is not part of visible light.
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