Question

Based on this view of Earth, we would predict that A) land masses are heat sinks on Earth. B) more solar radiation is absorbed by the oceans than by land masses. C) less solar radiation is absorbed by water than that absorbed by land. D) more solar radiation is absorbed by Earth's land masses than the oceans.

Answer 1

the answer is B. The ocean will absorb more water because the land reflects it back.

Answer 2

The correct answer is (B)

Yes, more solar radiation is absorbed by the oceans than by land. To understand this we have to understand solar radiation and absorption.

The earth is covered by 70% water thus the amount of solar radiation and absorption is influenced by water bodies and it also depend on the the physical state of water( solid or water). Now, the concept of reflection/radiation can be explained through albedo. Albedo is how reflective a substance is. A substance with high albedo will reflect all the solar radiation, Land mass having high albedo reflects most of the solar radiation and similarly oceans having low albedo absorbs most of the solar radiation.