What is the main mechanism by which the lower atmosphere of Earth is heated?
A) Sunlight heats Earth's surface and the resultant heat is transferred to the atmosphere by infrared radiation and convective gas motions.
B) Conduction carries heat from Earth's interior to the surface where conduction in the lower atmosphere transfers this heat to the higher layers.
C) Friction between the winds in the atmosphere and the mountain ranges and land masses of Earth create heat.
D) Sunlight is absorbed by molecules of the gases of the atmosphere,releasing heat.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sunlight heats Earth's surface and the resultant heat is transferred to the atmosphere by infrared radiation and convective gas motions. This process is known as atmospheric heating. The energy transfer occurs via radiation from the surface to the air or by convection, where heat is carried upwards by rising air currents. Sunlight is the primary source of energy that drives the heating of the lower atmosphere.

What Is the Main Mechanism by Which the Lower Atmosphere