The correct option is 2 only.
Explanation
The thermal regime of the Earth's atmosphere is governed by the interaction between incoming solar radiation (insolation) and outgoing terrestrial radiation. The atmosphere functions as a selective medium, exhibiting different behaviors towards shortwave and longwave radiation.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The atmosphere is largely transparent to incoming shortwave solar radiation. While a fraction is reflected by clouds, scattered by particles, or absorbed by gases (like ozone and water vapor), the majority of shortwave radiation passes through the atmosphere to reach the Earth's surface. It is not completely opaque.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The Earth's surface absorbs shortwave solar radiation, heats up, and re-emits energy as longwave terrestrial radiation. Atmospheric gases, particularly greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor, are opaque to this longwave radiation. They absorb this energy, heating the atmosphere from the bottom up. This is why the atmosphere is primarily heated indirectly by the Earth's radiation.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect. The Earth maintains a global heat balance. The atmosphere does not retain all absorbed heat; otherwise, the Earth's temperature would rise indefinitely. The atmosphere radiates heat both downwards to the surface (counter-radiation) and upwards back into space to maintain thermal equilibrium.
Key Takeaway: The atmosphere is heated primarily by longwave terrestrial radiation from the Earth's surface rather than directly by incoming shortwave solar radiation.