Why is the atmosphere heated chiefly by radiation from Earth's surface? Choose all that apply. Earth emits long-wave radiation, which is readily absorbed by the atmosphere. Even though the short wavelengths from the Sun indicate that it is hotter than Earth, which emits long wavelengths, Earth's wavelengths are opaque to its atmosphere; thus, heat that was reemitted by Earth is retained within the atmosphere. Earth emits short-wave radiation, which is readily absorbed by the atmosphere. Earth emits short-wave radiation, which easily passes through the atmosphere without absorption. Earth is a good emitter of radiation, even though it is a poor absorber of radiation.