Solar Radiation, Part II: The Earth’s Atmosphere

Year Published: 1968

Complete Record: Reviews the properties of electromagnetic radiation through the use of live-action and animation techniques. Describes the nature and spectral distribution of solar radiation and illustrates the ways in which this radiant energy is transferred to the atmosphere by considering individual photon-molecule encounters. Discusses the vertical and horizontal termperature variations which are responsible for winds in the atmosphere. Develops the concept of radiative equilibrium, and emphasizes the properties of the protective atmospheric blanket by comparison with the hostile environment of the lower surface space.