Question

the energy from sunlight is called solar radiation. after reaching earths atmosphere, incoming solar radiation can take different pathways. some radiation is absorbed or reflected by clouds or particles in the air. the rest continues to earths surface, where it is either reflected by bright surfaces, such as snow and ice, or absorbed. this diagram shows what percentage of incoming solar radiation travels through each of these pathways.

based on the diagram, which of the following describe the possible paths of incoming solar radiation once it has reached earths atmosphere? select all of the true statements.
all incoming solar radiation is reflected by the atmosphere and clouds.
about half of the incoming solar radiation is reflected by earths surface.
about half of the incoming solar radiation is absorbed by earths surface.
most incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and clouds.

Explanation:

1. Check the first statement: The diagram shows only 26% of radiation is reflected by atmosphere and clouds, not all. This is false.
2. Check the second statement: Only 4% of radiation is reflected by Earth's surface, not half. This is false.
3. Check the third statement: 51% of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface, which is approximately half. This is true.
4. Check the fourth statement: Only 19% of radiation is absorbed by atmosphere and clouds, which is not most (most would be over 50%). This is false.

Answer:

About half of the incoming solar radiation is absorbed by Earth's surface.