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UPSC Prelims 2023GS1GeographyEarth's Atmosphere and Insolation

Q72. With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

A. (a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times of that received at the poles.
B. (b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two- thirds of insolation.
C. (c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.✓ Correct
D. (d) Infrared waves are a part of visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Detailed Solution

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Statement (a) is incorrect; insolation at the equator is roughly 2-3 times, not 10 times, that at the poles. Statement (b) is incorrect; insolation (incoming solar radiation) is primarily shortwave radiation, including visible light and ultraviolet, with infrared constituting a smaller portion.

Longwave radiation emitted by Earth is mostly infrared. Statement (d) is incorrect; infrared waves have longer wavelengths than visible light and are not part of the visible spectrum.

Statement (c) is correct; water vapor is a potent greenhouse gas and strongly absorbs infrared radiation, particularly in the lower atmosphere (troposphere), contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect. This question tests fundamental concepts of climatology and atmospheric science, a core part of UPSC Geography.

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