What effect does terrestrial radiation have on nighttime temperatures?

Terrestrial radiation refers to the longwave radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface after it absorbs solar energy during the day. This radiation releases heat at night, which is a key factor in determining nighttime temperatures.

When the sun sets, the ground and surfaces emit this stored heat, resulting in the warming of the air near the surface. However, if there are clear skies and no significant clouds to trap this radiated heat, much of it can escape into the atmosphere, leading to cooler temperatures overnight.

Therefore, while terrestrial radiation itself can sometimes lead to warmer conditions, the lack of atmospheric insulation can result in lower temperatures at night as heat dissipates more freely. This process contributes to the phenomenon known as "radiational cooling," which explains why nighttime temperatures tend to drop significantly under clear skies. Understanding this dynamic highlights the relationship between terrestrial radiation and nighttime cooling.