Question

Which of the following is false relative to the Earth-atmosphere radiation system?

a) The atmosphere absorbs some of the incoming solar radiation.
b) The Earth's surface emits only shortwave radiation.
c) The atmosphere emits longwave radiation.
d) The net radiation budget is not balanced.

Answer 1

The false statement relative to the Earth-atmosphere radiation system is that the Earth's surface emits only shortwave radiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The false statement relative to the Earth-atmosphere radiation system is b) The Earth's surface emits only shortwave radiation. In reality, the Earth's surface emits both shortwave and longwave radiation. Shortwave radiation, mainly in the form of visible light, comes from the Sun and is absorbed by the Earth's surface. The Earth's surface then re-emits this energy as longwave radiation, mostly in the form of infrared.