The reason that the daily maximum temperature is after the maximum solar heating is because:
A)the Sun has more energy when shining from the west.
B)the atmosphere is "thinner" in the afternoon.
C)there is a thermal "lag" in the heating of the atmosphere.
D)None of the above. There is no relationship between the maximum amount of sunshine and the time of maximum daily temperature.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reason for this is because of the thermal "lag" in the heating of the atmosphere. Even though the Sun's energy input is highest in the early afternoon, it takes time for the Earth's surface and the atmosphere to warm up and reach their maximum temperatures, which typically occurs several hours later in the late afternoon or early evening.

The Reason That the Daily Maximum Temperature Is After the Maximum