The study of the transfer of energy through different layers of the atmosphere, including solar radiation, absorption, and reflection.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: The range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.
Radiative Transfer: The process by which radiation energy is absorbed or scattered as it passes through different mediums.
Solar Radiation: The radiation emitted by the Sun, including visible light, UV light, and infrared radiation, which plays a significant role in Earth's weather and climate.
Atmospheric Radiation: The radiation emitted by gases and particles in the Earth's atmosphere, which can influence the amount of solar radiation that reaches the surface.
Albedo: A measure of the amount of solar radiation reflected by different surfaces, such as clouds, snow, or the ocean.
Greenhouse Effect: The process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap and re-emit outgoing radiation, leading to warming of the planet's surface.
Climate Forcing: Factors that can influence the amount of solar radiation absorbed or reflected by the Earth, including volcanic eruptions, changes in solar output, and human activities such as deforestation and burning of fossil fuels.
UV Radiation: The ultraviolet radiation emitted by the Sun, which can cause damage to living organisms and materials.
Radiation Detection: Techniques and instruments used to measure and detect different types of radiation, such as Geiger counters and scintillation detectors.
Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer and other medical conditions.
Nuclear Energy: The use of nuclear reactions to generate power, including both fission and fusion processes.
Radioactive Decay: The process by which unstable atomic nuclei emit radiation in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma particles.
Radiation Safety: The measures taken to protect individuals and the environment from harmful radiation exposure, including protective clothing, shielding, and monitoring.
Nuclear Fallout: The dangerous radioactive debris that can result from nuclear explosions or accidents, which can spread over large areas and contaminate soil and water supplies.
Radiation Hormesis: The controversial theory that low levels of ionizing radiation may have beneficial effects on health and longevity, rather than being purely harmful.
Solar radiation: This is the energy emitted by the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves.
Infrared radiation: This is the electromagnetic radiation that has lower frequencies than visible light, and it can be detected as heat.
Ultraviolet radiation: This is the electromagnetic radiation that has higher frequencies than visible light, and it can cause sunburns and skin damage.
Gamma radiation: This is a high-energy electromagnetic radiation that is produced by the decay of radioactive elements.
X-ray radiation: This is another type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that is used in medical imaging.
Microwave radiation: This is a low-frequency electromagnetic radiation that is used in telecommunications and in microwave ovens.
Radio waves: These are low-frequency electromagnetic waves that are used in radio and television broadcasting.
Cosmic radiation: This is a high-energy radiation that comes from outer space, and it can penetrate the atmosphere and reach the earth's surface.
Particle radiation: This is the emission of subatomic particles, such as neutrons and protons, that are produced by nuclear reactions.
Terrestrial radiation: This is the heat that is radiated from the earth's surface, and it can be measured by satellites or by ground-based sensors.