During the day, clouds ________ insolation, lowering daily maximum temperatures; at night, clouds ________ longwave energy, thereby raising minimum nighttime temperatures.
A) absorb; reflect
B) scatter; refract
C) reflect; absorb and reradiate
D) reflect; scatter

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the day, clouds reflect insolation, which reduces the amount of solar energy reaching the surface, thus lowering daily maximum temperatures. At night, clouds absorb and reradiate longwave energy emitted from the Earth's surface, which helps to keep temperatures warmer by reducing heat loss.

During the Day, Clouds ________ Insolation, Lowering Daily Maximum Temperatures;