Measurement of Radiation

The various fluxes of radiation to and from the Earth’s surface are among the most important variables in the heat economy of the Earth as a whole and at any individual place at the Earth’s surface or in the atmosphere. Radiation measurements are used for the following purposes: (a) To study the transformation of energy within the Earth-atmosphere system and its variation in time and space; (b) To analyse the properties and distribution of the atmosphere with regard to its constituents, such as aerosols, water vapour, ozone, and so on; (c) To study the distribution and variations of incoming, outgoing and net radiation; (d) To satisfy the needs of biological, medical, agricultural, architectural and industrial activities with respect to radiation; (e) To verify satellite radiation measurements and algorithms.