Question: Describe 3 types of radiation that impact our atmosphere and processes on Earth. Where does this radiation come from?

To answer this question, open the Electromagnetic Spectrum learning tool. Using the slider bar at the bottom, you can view models of radiation at different points along the spectrum. Do you recognize any types of radiation?

1. One of the types of radiation we depend on is visible light. There are several sources of visible light on Earth, including the sun, candles, and electrical sources.
2. Another type of radiation is ultra-violet radiation. This has higher energy than visible light and is produced by the sun.
3. A third type of radiation is infrared radiation. We feel infrared radiation as thermal radiation, or heat. Sources include the Earth’s core, the sun, and humans.