The component of radiation directed toward the earth's surface from the sun or the atmosphere, opposite of upwelling radiation.
- Browse Related Terms: Air, Climate System, Conjugate Points, Downwelling Radiation, Equinox, Free Atmosphere, Ground Heat Flux, Latent Heat Flux, Lightning Discharge, Mesoclimate, Nacreous Clouds, Net All-Wave Radiation, Noctilucent Clouds, Radiational Cooling, Rain, Rotation, Sensible Heat Flux, Surface Energy Budget, Surface-based Convection, Visible Satellite Imagery