Which of the following is true regarding clouds?

a. They increase temperature minimums and maximums
b. They cover about 5% of the Earth’s surface
c. They increase nighttime temperatures and decrease daytime temperatures
d. They decrease nighttime temperatures and increase daytime temperatures
e. They decrease temperature minimums and temperature maximums

is the answer a or c?

Yes.

is it c?

Yes, c.

To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the options one by one:

a. They increase temperature minimums and maximums - This option is incorrect because clouds have an overall cooling effect on the Earth's surface. They tend to reflect sunlight back into space, reducing the incoming solar radiation and thus lowering temperatures.

b. They cover about 5% of the Earth's surface - This option is incorrect because clouds actually cover a much larger portion of the Earth's surface. On average, clouds cover roughly two-thirds of the planet. Therefore, they cover significantly more than 5% of the Earth's surface.

c. They increase nighttime temperatures and decrease daytime temperatures - This option is correct. Clouds act as a blanket, trapping heat close to the Earth's surface during the night. This insulation effect leads to warmer nighttime temperatures. During the day, clouds reflect sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of solar radiation that reaches the surface. As a result, daytime temperatures are typically cooler when clouds are present.

d. They decrease nighttime temperatures and increase daytime temperatures - This option is incorrect. As mentioned above, clouds have the opposite effect. They increase nighttime temperatures and decrease daytime temperatures.

e. They decrease temperature minimums and temperature maximums - This option is also incorrect. Clouds tend to reduce both temperature minimums and maximums. As explained earlier, they trap heat close to the surface, resulting in warmer nights. Additionally, they reflect sunlight, preventing the daytime temperatures from reaching their maximum potential.

Therefore, the correct answer is option c: They increase nighttime temperatures and decrease daytime temperatures.