Home > Ozone and Radiation Observation > Observation of Solar and Infrared Radiation
The earth-atmosphere system is warmed by solar radiation from the sun and cooled by the loss of infrared radiation into space. Radiant energy created in this way is a driving force for various atmospheric phenomena. Against such a background, observation of long-term radiation at the earth's surface is important for elucidating the mechanisms behind elements of global environmental change such as global warming, which has become a pressing concern in recent years. This supports assessment of how changes in atmospheric constituents such as greenhouse gases, water vapor, clouds and aerosols influence the earth's radiation energy balance.