Calculation of solar and thermal radiation absorption in the atmosphere, based on the HITRAN data

Abstract

Using the HITRAN database from 2003, the absorption of solar and thermal radiation by the atmosphere is calculated. The results are presented in the form of spectral densities of absorption yield of the atmosphere and its components, and fractions of absorbed energy of the solar radiation and thermal radiation in the atmosphere by each of its components separately and together. Finally, the obtained results are discussed in the context of the lately published model of Earth’s radiation budget-MAP 85(4), 275–281 (2004). The shares of atmospheric components in the greenhouse effect and in the absorption of solar radiation are calculated. The percentage contributions of the more important atmospheric components in the greenhouse effect are as follows: clouds 66, water vapor 25, CO2 6.7, N2O 0.7, CH4 0.7.