Abstract: This book deals with the theory of atmospheric radiation and radiation transfer, and its application to current problems related to the processes that maintain the global climate of the Earth. It combines aspects of solar radiation; atmospheric radiation; radiation budget theory and measurements; photochemistry; instruments; satellite observations; and prediction models; and applies them to understanding the Earth's climate and current concerns over climate change. Radiation theory is fundamental to the development of climate prediction models, and to measurement techniques for monitoring the Earth's energy budget and making remote sensing observations related to climate from satellites. Such theory and measurements are at the core of the climate change debate. This book describes in detail the basic physics used in the radiative transfer codes that are a key part of climate models. The basic principles are extended to the atmospheres of the Earth and the other planets, illustrating the greenhouse effect and other radiation-based phenomena at work. Several chapters deal with the techniques and measurements for monitoring the Earth's radiation budget, and thus tracking global change and its effects. Remote sensing instruments on satellites and the theory of remote sensing are also covered.

Keywords: climate system, solar radiation, terrestrial radiation, radiation transfer theory, Earth's radiation budget, climate change, climate modelling, satellite remote sensing, planetary atmospheres