Energy & Heat

Atmospheric "Windows"

• Composition (variable gases) allow visible light in, but impede outgoing heat

Atmosphere transmits much light (emitted by sun) to ground surface, which either absorbs or reflects it

Atmospheric heating primarily by shortwave light to ground, and longwave heat sent out from ground.

More specifically, atmosphere is about 70% heated from ground.

• This is why the air should be warmest near the ground (nearest the primary heat source) under ordinary circumstances.