What is the role of infrared radiation in global warming?

Infrared (IR) radiation is just as important to the Earth’s weather and climate as sunlight is. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially water vapor, “trap” (absorb and emit) some of this infrared radiation, and keep the earth habitably warm. Clouds also produce their own greenhouse effect.

How does infrared radiation affect greenhouse gases?

Just like things that have temperature emit infrared radiation and cool as a result, things that absorb infrared radiation increase in temperature. So, the greenhouse gases increase in temperature, and they share that heat with the rest of the molecules in the air.

Does infrared radiation increase temperature?

When visible light and high frequency infrared radiation are absorbed by the surface of the Earth, the planet’s internal energy increases and the surface gets hotter. Some of this energy is transferred to the atmosphere by conduction and convection .

Which type of radiation causes global warming?

As Earth’s atmosphere changes, however, the amount of infrared radiation leaving the atmosphere also changes. Since the Industrial Revolution, the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gasoline have greatly increased the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.

What is infrared radiation and why is it important?

Astronomers have found that infrared radiation is especially useful when trying to probe areas of our universe that are surrounded by clouds of gas and dust. Because of infrared’s longer wavelength, it can pass right through these clouds and reveal details invisible by observing other types of radiation.

What is the role of infrared radiation in the Earth’s energy budget?

Carbon dioxide forces the Earth’s energy budget out of balance by absorbing thermal infrared energy (heat) radiated by the surface. It absorbs thermal infrared energy with wavelengths in a part of the energy spectrum that other gases, such as water vapor, do not.

How is radiation affecting the earth’s temperature?

When visible light and high frequency infrared radiation are absorbed by the surface of the Earth, the planet’s internal energy increases and the surface gets hotter. Some of this infrared radiation is transmitted through the atmosphere back out into space, and some is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

How is infrared radiation absorbed?

Infrared radiation is strongly absorbed by water and by the atmosphere. However, since water vapour, ozone, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere absorb large parts of the infrared spectrum most infrared astronomical observations are carried out at high altitude by balloons, rockets, or spacecraft.