Kondratyev K.Ya. Radiation in the Atmosphere

International Geophysics Series, 1969, Volume 12. Academic Press, New York, London, 1969. – 929 pp.
The investigation of radiative processes in the earth's atmosphere is becoming more and more factual. Solar and terrestrial radiation, the only known sources of energy determining atmospheric circulation, have always been of great importance to meteorology and to atmospheric physics. The progress achieved in this field during recent years has been chiefly due to the success of meteorological satellites in studying the regularities of the global distribution of outgoing radiation in various spectral regions and of the planetary heat reservoir. Among the instrumental techniques, the use of the new high resolution spectrometers (interferometric spectrometers in their number) and of the lasers has contributed a major means of evaluation. Many theoretical investigations, in their turn, have been made possible only by the application of large computers with extensive memory banks. The correct representation of radiative transfer taxes the capabilities of even the most advanced computers. Radiation studies have always had important applications in biology. Today these studies are of special interest in connection with the problem of photosynthesis. Transportation, building, and architecture also reserve an interest in the various aspects of radiative transfer in the atmosphere, and recently space navigation and orientation have become involved. The demands of the latter have been satisfied, for example, in the solution of the problem of the orientation of satellites relative to the earth, beyond the infrared spectrum.
This book is written from the standpoint of atmospheric physics and meteorology. Its purpose is to coordinate an accurate physical approach and the descriptive empirical results that are important in meteorological practice. At the same time an attempt is made to present the material in a form that will be sufficiently universal to be used with any of the mentioned subjects.Radiant Energy. The Main Concepts and Definitions.
Methods of Actinometric Measurements.
Radiation Absorption in the Atmosphere.
Scattering of Radiation in the Atmosphere.
Direct Solar Radiation.
Diffuse Radiation of the Atmosphere.
Albedo of the Underlying Surface and Clouds.
Global Radiation.
Thermal Radiation of the Atmosphere.
Net Radiation.
Temperature Variation in the Atmosphere Due to Radiative Heat Exchange.
Appendixes. Author Index. Subject Index.