Electromagnetic radiation Electromagnetic radiation In physics, electromagnetic radiation (EM radiation or EMR) refers to the waves (or their quanta, photons) of the electromagnetic field, propagating (radiating) through space, carrying electromagnetic radiant energy. It includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, (visible) light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Classically, electromagnetic radiation consists of electromagnetic waves, which are synchronized oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that propagate at the speed of light, which, in a vacuum, is commonly denoted "c". In homogeneous, isotropic media, the oscillations of the two fields are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy and wave propagation, forming
Outgoing longwave radiation additional effect on the energy budget of the atmosphere. The OLR is dependent on the temperature of the radiating body. It is affected by the Earth's skin temperature, skin surface emissivity, atmospheric temperature, water vapor profile, and cloud cover. Longwave radiation typically refers to radiation in the spectral region from 3 to 100 microns. In the Earth’s climate system, longwave radiation involves processes of absorption, scattering, and emissions from atmospheric gases, aerosols, clouds and the surface. Measuring outgoing longwave radiation at the top of atmosphere and downwelling longwave radiation at the surface are important for understanding how much radiative energy