Chapter 31, Problem 8TE

Why does surface temperature increase on a clear, calm night as a low cloud cover moves overhead?

To determine

The reason for the surface temperature increase on a clear, calm night as a low cloud cover moves overhead.

Answer to Problem 8TE

The surface temperature increases on a clear, calm night due to the effect of the greenhouse effect.

Explanation of Solution

Water vapor and carbon dioxide are the two most plentiful gases that help in warming the Earth. The two make up overcast spread in the climate and retain the radiation discharged by the Sun and Earth, expanding surface temperature.

On a starry evening, when a cloud ignores, there would be a nearby greenhouse effect. The mists will redirect the IR radiation returning, starting from the Earth to the surface, which would then warm the surface, prompting an expanded temperature. The surface temperature increases due to the deflection of the radiation from the Earth back to the surface.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the surface temperature increases on a clear, calm night due to the effect of the greenhouse effect.