Correct Option
Both statements are incorrect, making option (d) the correct choice.
- Statement 1 is incorrect: High clouds, such as cirrus clouds, are typically thin and semi-transparent. They allow a significant portion of incoming solar (shortwave) radiation to pass through to the Earth's surface. Their primary effect is to absorb and re-emit outgoing longwave (infrared) radiation from the Earth, effectively trapping heat and contributing to a net warming effect on the surface. They do not primarily reflect solar radiation to cool the surface.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Low clouds, such as stratus and cumulus clouds, are generally optically thick and have a high albedo. They are highly efficient at reflecting incoming solar (shortwave) radiation back into space, thereby preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. This reflection of solar radiation leads to a net cooling effect on the Earth's surface. While they do interact with infrared radiation, their dominant effect on the Earth's energy budget is cooling due to solar reflection, not warming due to infrared absorption.
Incorrect Options
Options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect because they assert that at least one of the statements is accurate. As both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are factually incorrect regarding the effects of high and low clouds on Earth's temperature, these options are invalid.