Radiation

Radiation transfers energy as electromagnetic waves. A wave’s wavelength is the distance between matching points on successive waves. Short-wavelength radiation carries energy from the much hotter Sun towards Earth.

Some incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space by clouds, particles and bright surfaces. The atmosphere and the Earth’s surface absorb the rest. When the land and oceans absorb energy, their temperature rises.

Radiation transfers energy as electromagnetic waves. When radiation reaches matter, it may be transmitted through it, reflected from it or absorbed. Absorption transfers energy from the radiation to the matter, so the matter gains energy and may become warmer.