Explain why the atmosphere is heated chiefly by radiation emitted ...

[burton19126]

Explain why the atmosphere is heated chiefly by radiation emitted from Earth's surface rather than by direct solar radiation.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

When humid air moves up a slope or mountain side, a(n) ________ fog may form.
 
  A) advection B) upslope C) radiation D) valley

[nixon_s]

Answer to Question 1

For the atmosphere as a whole, none of the gases are effective absorbers of visible radiation. This explains why most visible radiation reaches Earth's surface and why we say that the atmosphere is transparent to incoming solar radiation. Thus, the atmosphere does not acquire the bulk of its energy directly from the Sun. Rather, it is heated chiefly by energy that is first absorbed by Earth's surface and then reradiated to the sky.

Answer to Question 2

B