Planetary Energy Balance

Electromagnetic Spectrum

One end of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum has radio waves. They have a long wavelength. That’s where there is a lot of space between the curves of the red line. The light we see, visible light, is a narrow band in the middle. The other end of the spectrum has gamma rays. They have a short wavelength. Notice that there is virtually no space between the curves of the red line.

Take a look at the white, black and grey bar at the top of the diagram.
It shows which types of radiation can get through the Earth’s atmosphere.
Not all types of radiation can get through to the earth’s surface.

 

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