|The graph on the right shows the amount of longwave radiation
that is emitted to space. An important atmospheric window exists
from 8 to 13 micrometers. Energy emitted through this window
accounts for almost half of longwave radiation emitted to space.
CO2 and H2O absorbs radiation at wavelengths longer than the
atmospheric window while ozone and methane absorb at wavelengths
shorter than the window. Within the window, some absorption
occurs as well (due to CO2 and ozone) but the total absorption
is weak in most regions of the globe. Other important absorbers
include CH4, N2O and CFC's. back to PJW Class home