| Περίληψη: | The basic source of energy for the earth and its atmosphere is the solar electromagnetic radiation, which is emitted in the visible, ultraviolet and the infrared bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The solar radiation is absorbed partly by the atmosphere and mostly by the earth, which then emits back in the thermal infrared band. At steady state, there is a radiative balance between the incoming (solar) and outgoing (terrestrial radiation). This chapter considers some basic topics on solar and terrestrial radiation, and their effects on the atmosphere. The roles of minor atmospheric gases in the absorption of terrestrial radiation and its re-emission, which raises the mean temperature of the earth’s surface via the greenhouse effect, are presented and discussed. Also a brief reference is made on production and loss of ozone in relation with the solar radiation, both in the stratosphere and troposphere. The last part of the chapter presents basics on the formation and vertical structure of the ionosphere, through photoionization (production) and charge recombination (loss) processes.
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