The temperature measurements from the satellites tell us that Earth's average temperature is - 16°C,however the Earth's average temperature is about 15°C.It is a large discrepancy,why is that.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The discrepancy is due to the fact that the satellites are measuring the temperature of the atmosphere, while the Earth's average temperature is measured at the surface. The gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, absorb and re-radiate heat, which leads to a warming of the temperature at the surface compared to the temperature of the atmosphere. This phenomenon is known as the greenhouse effect.

The Temperature Measurements from the Satellites Tell Us That Earth's