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Because it is generally of a very high energy level, allowing it to be transmitted (rather than absorbed, reflected, or scattered off of molecules of gases or larger particles) straight to the ground. This has to do with the size of these particles relative to the very short wavelength of this radiation, and also to the preference of these molecules of gas to absorb gases of different wavelengths. Though in reality, quite a bit of it IS absorbed by gases, scattered by particles, and reflected by clouds. This is the biggest reason it remains so cold in polar regions in the summer, even when there are 24 hours of sun: it must pass through such a thick layer of atmosphere due to the tilt of the sphere of the Earth, that only a relatively small amount can make it to the surface.
When it heats up the surface of the Earth, which then emits its own radiation (at a much longer wavelength, and therefore lower energy level, than the sun because the Earth is much cooler than the sun), this "longwave radiation" tends to get absorbed much more readily by the atmosphere, and this is the essence of the greenhouse effect.
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BeauRadiation from the Sun, particularly visible light and some infrared and ultraviolet radiation, can pass through the Earth's atmosphere because these wavelengths are not significantly absorbed by gases in the atmosphere (like nitrogen and oxygen). This allows the radiation to reach the Earth's surface relatively unimpeded.
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How does solar radiation reach the surface of the earth?
Solar radiation reaches the surface of the Earth through the process of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun. This radiation travels through space and reaches Earth's atmosphere, where it penetrates and warms the surface of the planet. The atmosphere helps block harmful radiation while allowing sunlight to reach the surface.
What kind of radiation passes through the atmosphere and reaches the earths surface?
Most of the visible light and some of the ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun pass through the atmosphere and reach the Earth's surface. Other forms of radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, are mostly absorbed by the atmosphere and do not reach the surface.
What is a trapping of energy from the sun by earths atmosphere?
The trapping of energy from the sun by Earth's atmosphere is called the greenhouse effect. Solar radiation passes through the atmosphere to heat the Earth's surface, which then emits infrared radiation. Some of this infrared radiation is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, creating a warming effect that helps maintain Earth's temperature.
What is the source of radiation for both the Earth's atmosphere and the greenhouse?
The primary source of radiation for both Earth's atmosphere and the greenhouse effect is the sun. Solar radiation warms the Earth's surface, which then emits infrared radiation. Some of this infrared radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, trapping heat and warming the planet.
What does the atmosphere absorb to protect earth?
The atmosphere absorbs harmful radiation from the sun, such as ultraviolet (UV) rays, through the ozone layer. This protection helps prevent this radiation from reaching the Earth's surface and harming living organisms.
