Interaction of Solar Radiation and the Atmosphere

  • Based on the last figure, about half of the incoming short wave radiation makes it to the surface

  • only about 19% is absorbed by gasses in the atmosphere

  • Therefore, the atmosphere is fairly transparent to incoming solar radiation.

  • Here is another way to see this conclusion: ->

 

  • Q: Does the atmosphere have any interaction with the long-wave radiation emitted by the earth???