GEOG-120 Lecture Notes - Lecture 25: Shortwave Radiation, Shortwave Radio, Inverse Relation
Document Summary
Different types have different wavelengths (distance from one crest to another) and frequency (waves per unit time) Short wavelengths (0. 2 to 0. 4 micrometers), high energy. Visible light (our optical system is sensitive to this range) Shorter wavelengths perceived as violet, longer wavelengths perceived as. Longwave radiation red (0. 4 to 0. 7 micrometers) Wavelengths ranging from 0. 7 to 1. 2 micrometers. Wavelengths range from 1. 2 to 3 micrometers. From sun, but also emitted through combustion. Emitted by cooler bodies, for example as heat. Two important principles regarding the emission of electromagnetic radiation: inverse relationship between wavelength and temperature of object emitting it, hot objects emit much more energy than cool objects. Output peaks in visible light portion of spectrum. Peaks in thermal infrared portion of spectrum. 3 distinct peaks (5, 10, 20 um) Longer wavelengths absorbed in atmosphere, mainly by co2 and h2o. Insolation is an acronym for incoming solar radiation. Measured in units of watts per dquare meter (w/m2)