The AMS Committee on Atmospheric Radiation is concerned with all aspects of the earth-atmosphere system in which radiative processes play a role. These processes encompass a wide range of phenomena, including the absorption, emission and scattering of light by molecules, aerosols, cloud particles and terrestrial surfaces; measurement of the radiative properties of Earth-atmosphere system constituents; the role of radiation in weather and climate and the models that predict them; and the use of radiometric measurements and principles for remote sensing. Of specific concern to this committee are processes in which atmospheric radiation plays a key role, such as the greenhouse effect, the radiative impacts of natural and anthropogenic aerosols, cloud-climate interactions, sea surface temperature anomalies and associated effects on the Earth's radiation budget, changes in surface albedo and emissivity, and ozone depletion.
Committee members are AMS members who have expertise in radiation measurements, modeling, and processes. The committee’s main responsibilities include organizing the AMS Conference on Atmospheric Radiation, recognizing AMS members with awards, and fielding questions from the AMS community related to atmospheric radiation (e.g. reviewing glossary terms and definitions). AMS accepts nominations for AtRad membership on a yearly basis. Committee members serve at least one, 3-year term starting in January of each year with staggered committee start years for continuity.