Which of the following is primarily responsible for warming of the Earth?

(a) Solar radiation is immediately absorbed by carbon dioxide, which then releases it as heat.

(b) The atmosphere's tiny particles absorb incoming solar radiation, which directly heats the Earth.

(c) The Earth's surface absorbs solar radiation, which is then re-radiated and trapped by greenhouse gases.

(d) The Earth's environment is heated only by the solar radiation reflected by the clouds.

(c) The Earth's surface absorbs solar radiation, which is then re-radiated and trapped by greenhouse gases.

Explanation: Solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface after passing through the atmosphere. The Earth's surface absorbs this radiation and re-radiates it in the form of infrared (heat) radiation.

Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and water vapour absorb this outgoing infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, is primarily responsible for keeping the Earth warm enough to support life.