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

(a)

The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.

(b)

Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.

(c)

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

(d)

Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation

Correct Answer

(c)

Explanation

The correct answer is (c). The atmosphere is largely transparent to short wave solar radiation. The incoming solar radiation passes through the atmosphere before striking the earth’s surface. Within the troposphere water vapour, ozone and other gases absorb much of the near infrared radiation. This is given in NCERT Class12 Geography.

Microtheme: ClimatolgyXAtmosphere —
12 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

  1. [2025] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I:
    The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.
    Statement II:
    Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    • (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
    • (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
    • (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
    • (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
    Correct Answer: (C) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
  2. [2025] Consider the following statements:
    I. Without the atmosphere, temperature would be well below freezing point everywhere on the Earth’s surface.
    II. Heat absorbed and trapped by the atmosphere maintains our planet’s average temperature.
    III. Atmosphere’s gases, like carbon dioxide, are particularly good at absorbing and trapping radiation.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    • (a) I and III only
    • (b) I and II only
    • (c) I, II and III
    • (d) II and III only
    Correct Answer: (C) I, II and III
  3. [2024] Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I:
    Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.
    Statement-II:
    At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    • (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I*
    • (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    • (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    • (d) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
    Correct Answer: (A) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I*
  4. [2024] With reference to “water vapour,” which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.
    2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  5. [2023] With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

    • (a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
    • (b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
    • (c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
    • (d) Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation
    Correct Answer: (C) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
  6. [2020] Consider the following statements:
    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the
    surroundings.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 and 3 only
    • (c) 2 only
    • (d) 1 and 3 only
    Correct Answer: (C) 2 only
  7. [2012] Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth’s surface, because: 1. The atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface. 2. There is more moisture in the upper atmosphere. 3. The air is less dense in the upper atmosphere. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 and 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
  8. [2011] A layer in the Earth’s atmosphere called the ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?
    1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to earth.
    2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
  9. [2011] The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation?
    1. There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere.
    2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
  10. [2010] Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three?

    • (a) Sand desert
    • (b) Paddy crop land
    • (c) Land covered with fresh snow
    • (d) Prairie land
    Correct Answer: (C) Land covered with fresh snow
  11. [2008] Consider the following statement:
    1. The albedo of an object determines its visual brightness when viewed with reflected light.
    2. The albedo of Mercury is much greater than the albedo of the Earth.

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  12. [2003] Diffusion of light in the atmosphere takes place due to:

    • (a) Carbon dioxide
    • (b) Dust particles
    • (c) Helium
    • (d) Water vapors
    Correct Answer: (B) Dust particles