Radiation

Radiation studies at GISS have three basic components. First, accurate radiative transfer models are a key to interpreting remote sensing data of Earth and other planets obtained from ground-based and satellite sensors. Second, accurate and efficient calculations of radiative transfer are needed to determine heating and cooling rates in computer models of climate. Third, theoretical modeling is required to consistently improve the methods and approximations used in radiative models as well as to provide a fundamental understanding for the physical processes involved in the absorption, scattering, and emission of electromagnetic energy.

The study of radiation at GISS is therefore interdisciplinary, interacting with and providing modeling support for atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, Earth observations and planetary atmospheres. Current studies include understanding the water vapor continuum absorption, modeling the effect of aerosols as well as trying to retrieve their microphysical properties, analysis of aircraft and ground-based data, and studies aimed at understanding the difference between broadband and narrowband flux retrievals.

Related Research Projects

• Global Aerosol Climatology Project
• GEWEX Radiation Panel

Related News and Science Briefs

March 2003:
NASA Scientist Awarded Distinction of AGU 2003 Fellow

March 1998:
Greenhouse Gases: Refining the Role of Carbon Dioxide

February 1998:
Jet Contrail Studies Using Polarization Lidar