Refer to the diagram below. According to the diagram, greenhouse gases maintain a temperature high enough to support life on Earth by affecting which aspect of heat radiation?
A) Outgoing radiation
B) Radiation emitted by clouds
C) Back radiation
D) Radiation absorbed by the surface
E) Surface radiation

Question

Refer to the diagram below.  According to the diagram, greenhouse gases maintain a temperature high enough to support life on Earth by affecting which aspect of heat radiation?
A) Outgoing radiation 
B) Radiation emitted by clouds 
C) Back radiation 
D) Radiation absorbed by the surface 
E) Surface radiation

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Greenhouse gases affect the aspect of heat radiation known as back radiation. This is the radiation that is reflected back towards the Earth's surface after it has been absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases. By trapping this radiation, the greenhouse effect helps to maintain a temperature high enough to support life on Earth.

Refer to the Diagram Below