Consider the following data regarding the Heat Budget of the Earth: 1. 35 units are reflected back from the top of the clouds. 2. 14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere. 3. 51 units are absorbed by the earth’s surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Heat Budget of the Earth refers to the balance between the amount of incoming solar radiation (insolation) received by the Earth and the amount of terrestrial radiation reflected or emitted back into space. This balance maintains the Earth's average temperature. Standard calculations assume 100 units of incoming solar radiation. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. While roughly 35 units of the total 100 units are reflected back to space before reaching the Earth's surface (collectively known as the Earth's albedo), they are not entirely reflected by clouds. The breakdown is approximately: - 27 units are reflected from the top of the clouds. - 2 units are reflected from snow and ice-covered areas. - 6 units are scattered to space by the atmosphere. Therefore, attributing all 35 units to reflection from clouds is factually wrong. - Statement 2 is Correct. Out of the remaining 65 units that enter the atmosphere, 14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere by water vapor, dust particles, and gases (such as ozone). - Statement 3 is Correct. The remaining 51 units reach and are absorbed by the Earth's surface. This comprises: - 34 units received as direct solar radiation. - 17 units received as diffuse daylight (scattered radiation). Key Takeaway: The Earth's Albedo (35 units) consists of reflection from clouds (27), the surface (2), and scattering (6). The remaining 65 units are absorbed: 14 by the atmosphere and 51 by the Earth's surface.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

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Consider the following data regarding the Heat Budget of the Earth:

35 units are reflected back from the top of the clouds.
14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere.
51 units are absorbed by the earth’s surface.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Heat Budget of the Earth refers to the balance between the amount of incoming solar radiation (insolation) received by the Earth and the amount of terrestrial radiation reflected or emitted back into space. This balance maintains the Earth's average temperature. Standard calculations assume 100 units of incoming solar radiation.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
While roughly 35 units of the total 100 units are reflected back to space before reaching the Earth's surface (collectively known as the Earth's albedo), they are not entirely reflected by clouds. The breakdown is approximately:
- 27 units are reflected from the top of the clouds.
- 2 units are reflected from snow and ice-covered areas.
- 6 units are scattered to space by the atmosphere.
Therefore, attributing all 35 units to reflection from clouds is factually wrong.
Statement 2 is Correct.
Out of the remaining 65 units that enter the atmosphere, 14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere by water vapor, dust particles, and gases (such as ozone).
Statement 3 is Correct.
The remaining 51 units reach and are absorbed by the Earth's surface. This comprises:
- 34 units received as direct solar radiation.
- 17 units received as diffuse daylight (scattered radiation).

Key Takeaway:
The Earth's Albedo (35 units) consists of reflection from clouds (27), the surface (2), and scattering (6). The remaining 65 units are absorbed: 14 by the atmosphere and 51 by the Earth's surface.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

Which of the following best explains why the annual insolation received on 3rd January is slightly more than on 4th July?

easy

With reference to the heating of the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Conduction is the process where heat is transferred through horizontal movement of air. 2. Convection is the process of vertical heating of the atmosphere. 3. Advection has no role in the diurnal variation of daily weather in middle latitudes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the variability of insolation at the surface of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The Earth receives slightly more annual insolation on 3rd January than on 4th July. 2. The variation in solar output due to the Earth's distance from the Sun has a drastic effect on daily weather changes. 3. The rotation of the Earth on its axis is one of the factors causing variations in insolation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following factors is/are responsible for the variations in insolation received at the surface of the Earth? 1. The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays 2. The transparency of the atmosphere 3. The configuration of land in terms of its aspect 4. The revolution of the Earth around the Sun has no influence on insolation variations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the passage of solar radiation through the atmosphere: 1. The atmosphere is largely transparent to short wave solar radiation. 2. Water vapour and ozone in the troposphere are completely transparent to near infrared radiation. 3. The blue colour of the sky is a result of the absorption of light by water vapour. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

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The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
While roughly 35 units of the total 100 units are reflected back to space before reaching the Earth's surface (collectively known as the Earth's albedo), they are not entirely reflected by clouds. The breakdown is approximately:
- 27 units are reflected from the top of the clouds.
- 2 units are reflected from snow and ice-covered areas.
- 6 units are scattered to space by the atmosphere.
Therefore, attributing all 35 units to reflection from clouds is factually wrong.
Statement 2 is Correct.
Out of the remaining 65 units that enter the atmosphere, 14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere by water vapor, dust particles, and gases (such as ozone).
Statement 3 is Correct.
The remaining 51 units reach and are absorbed by the Earth's surface. This comprises:
- 34 units received as direct solar radiation.
- 17 units received as diffuse daylight (scattered radiation).