Terrestrial Radiation

Terrestrial radiation refers to the heat energy that is radiated by the Earth's surface back into the atmosphere. This process occurs continuously, even after sunset, and is responsible for keeping the air near the Earth's surface warm.

Explanation:

After sunset, the Earth's surface begins to cool down as it no longer receives direct solar radiation. However, the surface still retains some of the heat it absorbed during the day. This heat energy is released back into the atmosphere in the form of longwave radiation, also known as terrestrial radiation.

Key Points:
- Terrestrial radiation is the process by which the Earth's surface emits heat energy back into the atmosphere.
- This radiation occurs in the form of longwave radiation, which has a longer wavelength compared to the shortwave radiation received from the Sun.
- The Earth's surface absorbs shortwave solar radiation during the day, which warms the surface and the air in contact with it.
- As the surface cools down after sunset, it radiates the stored heat energy back into the atmosphere.
- This terrestrial radiation helps to keep the air near the Earth's surface relatively warm even after sunset.

Significance:
Terrestrial radiation plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature and maintaining the energy balance in the atmosphere. Without this process, the Earth's surface would cool down rapidly after sunset, leading to drastic temperature drops and significant temperature differences between day and night.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, even after sunset, the air near the Earth's surface continues to receive heat due to terrestrial radiation. This process involves the release of heat energy by the Earth's surface back into the atmosphere, helping to keep the air relatively warm. Understanding the role of terrestrial radiation is important in studying the Earth's climate and weather patterns.