Question

Ased on energy balance models, we would expect the average surface temperature of the Earth to be only -18°C. However, the temperature is actually about:

A) -18°C
B) 0°C
C) 14°C
D) 28°C

Answer 1

The actual average surface temperature of the Earth, due to the greenhouse effect, is about 14°C. Therefore, the correct option is C) 14°C.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on energy balance models and without the presence of greenhouse gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, one would expect the average surface temperature of Earth to be around -18°C. However, thanks to these gases and the greenhouse effect, they retain heat and prevent most of the Earth's radiation from escaping directly to space. This natural blanket increases Earth's average temperature considerably. The actual average surface temperature of the Earth, which includes the warming effect of greenhouse gases, is approximately 14°C, as observed in practice. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is C) 14°C.