Low clouds retard surface cooling at night better than clear skies because:
A)the clouds absorb and radiate infrared energy back to earth.
B)the water droplets in the clouds reflect infrared energy back to earth.
C)the clouds start convection currents between them.
D)the clouds are better conductors of heat than is the clear night air.
E)the formation of the clouds releases latent heat energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Low clouds absorb and re-radiate infrared energy back to Earth, thus reducing the amount of heat lost to space during the night. This results in a warming effect, known as the greenhouse effect, which helps to trap heat close to the Earth's surface.

Low Clouds Retard Surface Cooling at Night Better Than Clear