Multiple choice

The atmosphere is heated mainly by

  1. insolation

  2. conduction

  3. radiation

  4. convection
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The earth's surface absorbs solar insolation, becomes heated, and then radiates longwave terrestrial radiation that warms the atmosphere from below. Conduction affects only the lowest air layer, while convection redistributes this heat vertically but isn't the primary heating source.

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