Warming at the earth's surface will most likely occur when there is an increase in the amount of ____.
A) low-level global cloud cover
B) sulfur-rich particles in the stratosphere
C) global snow cover
D) high-level global cloud cover

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

High-level global cloud cover traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to warming at the earth's surface. This is because high-level clouds are composed mostly of ice crystals and are able to absorb and re-emit more longwave radiation than low-level clouds or sulfur-rich particles in the stratosphere. Global snow cover can also reflect incoming solar radiation and contribute to cooling of the earth's surface, so it would not contribute to warming.

Warming at the Earth's Surface Will Most Likely Occur When