Two students discuss the source of the heat that powers the high-speed winds in Planet Y's atmosphere.
*Student 1*
Planet Y's winds are driven entirely by geothermal heat rising from the planet's hot interior. The planet is covered by a dense layer of dust that reflects 100% of incoming sunlight back into space, meaning solar energy does not heat the atmosphere at all.
*Student 2*
Planet Y's winds are powered entirely by solar radiation. Although the dust layer reflects most sunlight, the top of the dust layer absorbs enough solar energy to create large temperature differences in the upper atmosphere, driving the winds. Geothermal heat from the core is too weak to reach the atmosphere.
Match each atmospheric factor on the left with the correct description of the students' disagreement regarding that factor on the right.
- Geothermal heatStudent 1 claims it is the sole driver of the winds, whereas Student 2 claims it is too weak to reach the atmosphere.
- Solar radiationStudent 2 claims it is the sole driver of the winds, whereas Student 1 claims it is completely reflected and plays no role.
- Dust layer absorptionStudent 1 claims it reflects 100% of light and prevents solar heating, whereas Student 2 claims it absorbs enough energy to drive wind.