International Radiation Commission
Research into Atmospheric Radiation
News and Updates
The role of the International Radiation Commission is to promote research into atmospheric radiation as well as application of that research to practical problems. This role is part of the broad charter of IAMAS* concerning the earth-atmosphere system and the atmospheres of other planets and is performed in co-operation with all the IAMAS* Commissions and with other appropriate bodies. Topics of concern to the Commission include optical phenomena in the atmosphere, radiative properties of atmospheric constituents and of the earth's surface, radiative properties of planetary atmospheres, radiant energy transfer, radiant energy interaction with other features of the atmosphere (dynamics, climate, etc.) and remote sensing of atmosphere and surface.
The responsibilities of the Commission include, but are not limited to, the following:
- To stimulate improvement in the standards for calibration of instruments concerned with measurement of atmospheric radiation;
- To encourage the development of new and more accurate instruments which are needed for measurement of atmospheric radiation;
- To help develop high quality standards in network measurements of atmospheric radiation;
- To advise other scientific bodies on matters of atmospheric radiation when requested;
- To develop when necessary formal recommendations for the promotion of particular aspects of atmospheric radiation;
- To join with other scientific bodies in any activity which will promote the discipline of atmospheric radiation;
- To summarize and publish as needed the status, research requirements and measurement requirements of particular aspects of atmospheric radiation;
- To provide a forum for the scientific community to exchange relevant results and ideas and to encourage international cooperation;
- To organize the quadrennial International Radiation Symposium.
*formerly IAMAP, renamed IAMAS in 1995
The above "Terms of Reference" were approved by Commission 22/08/1983
