Cloudy nights are warmer compared to clear cloudless nights, because clouds
A
prevent cold waves from the sky from descending on Earth
B
reflect back heat given off by Earth
C
produce heat and radiate it towards Earth
D
absorb heat from the atmosphere and send it towards Earth
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The Earth's surface radiates heat (longwave infrared radiation) outwards, especially at night.
2. On clear nights, this heat escapes directly into space, leading to significant cooling of the ground and the air near it.
3. Clouds, composed of water droplets or ice crystals, are good absorbers and emitters of longwave radiation.
4. On cloudy nights, clouds act like a blanket. They absorb the heat given off by Earth and re-radiate some of it back towards the surface.
5. This process reduces the net loss of heat from the Earth's surface, making cloudy nights warmer compared to clear cloudless nights.