Net Radiation (Balance)

Balance between incoming and outgoing shortwave and longwave radiations. Mathematically expressed as: Q* = (K + k)(1 - a) - LU + LD where Q* is surface net radiation (global annual values of Q* = 0, because input equals output, local values can be positive or negative), K is surface direct shortwave radiation, k is diffused shortwave radiation (scattered insolation) at the surface, a is the albedo of surface, LD is atmospheric counter-radiation (greenhouse effect) directed to the Earth's surface, and LU is longwave radiation lost from the Earth's surface.