Part of the sun's energy that reaches the earth's surface is absorbed by land and water as heat. the earth's surface then releases heat back to the atmosphere. which of the following is true about this solar energy that is absorbed and released by earth's surface as heat?

all of this heat escapes the earth's atmosphere, which keeps the planet hot.

much of the heat is trapped low in the atmosphere and is a major factor in determining earth's climate.

much of the heat is trapped at the top of earth's atmosphere to protect earth from ultraviolet radiation.

all of this heat escapes the earth's atmosphere, which keeps the planet c

B. Much of the heat is trapped low in the atmosphere and is a major factor in determining Earth's climate.

Explanation:

Presence of atmosphere on Earth is one of the major reason of life being habitable on it. Earth receives large amount of solar radiation from the Sun. 30% of this reflects back and rest is absorbed by clouds, oceans and land mass. The heat trapped by the atmosphere makes the conditions livable on it. An average temperature of 14 degrees is maintained with the heat trapped. In the low atmosphere, this trapped heat is a major factor determining climate in different hemispheres.

Thus, correct option is B. Much of the heat is trapped low in the atmosphere and is a major factor in determining Earth's climate.