Atmospheric thermal radiation – from historical measurements to investigations of the Earth's greenhouse effect

Abstract

Here, we recall first quantitative measurements of terrestrial and atmospheric thermal infrared radiation that were made about hundred years ago, and relate them to present day radiation budget measurements and greenhouse effect investigations through the atmosphere. At the beginning of the 20th century measurements of the effective terrestrial radiation and the counter-radiation of the atmosphere were of great interest primarily to prove theoretical aspects of the Earth radiation balance and the upper temperature inversion.

Keywords

• classic paper