What is the most likely reason for temperature increase in the thermosphere during solar storms?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. UV and X-ray absorption.
The thermosphere's density is extremely low, making it highly sensitive to solar activity. During solar storms, the Sun emits intense Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray radiation. Atomic Oxygen and Nitrogen in this layer absorb these high-energy photons, converting them into kinetic energy. This process, along with Joule heating from disturbed magnetic currents, causes rapid, dramatic temperature spikes.
Other options:
- Molecular friction, while friction does generate heat (like a spacecraft re-entering the atmosphere), it isn't the cause of the thermosphere's temperature rise.
- Convection currents it is the primary method of heat transfer in the Troposphere (the layer where we live). It involves the physical movement of warm air rising and cool air sinking. In the Thermosphere, the air is far too thin (nearly a vacuum) for these currents to form.
- Cloud condensation, this process releases "latent heat," but it only happens in the lower atmosphere where water vapor is present. The Thermosphere is far too dry and hot for clouds to exist or for condensation to occur.