Radiation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-022984",
  "term": "Radiation",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Radiation is energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. Radiation has differing characteristics depending upon the wavelength. Because the radiation from the sun is relatively energetic, solar radiation has a short wavelength (ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared). Energy radiated away from the Earth's surface and the atmosphere has a longer wavelength (e.g., infrared radiation) because the Earth is cooler than the sun.\n\n2. Transmission of energy though space or any medium.\n\n3. Energy that travels in the form of a particle or a wave. There are many different types of radiation. Some types can harm people, while others are harmless and actually quite important to everyday life. Several common forms of radiation are classified as \"electromagnetic radiation,\" including radio and TV waves, X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, and visible light.\n\n4. Energy transfer in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles that release energy when absorbed by an object. See ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, solar radiation, longwave radiation.\n\n5. Energy given off as either particles or rays (photon quanta).\n\n6. Energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. Radiation has differing characteristics depending upon the wavelength. Because the radiation from the Sun is relatively energetic, it has a short wavelength (e.g., ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared) while energy re-radiated from the Earth's surface and the atmosphere has a longer wavelength (e.g., infrared radiation) because the Earth is cooler than the Sun. See ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, solar radiation, longwave radiation, terrestrial radiation.\n\n7. Radiation can enter waterways through eroding or dissolving underground deposits of radioactive metals such as uranium, from the air due to accidental or intentional release, in seepage from improper disposal sites, in mining runoff or dumped mine-tailings, or from other industrial activities. Concentrated radioactive materials in waterways can be a health concern.",
  "abbreviation": "RAD",
  "subject": "Climate change",
  "references": [
    "Heat Island Effect Glossary",
    "Terms of Environment",
    "Student's Guide to Global Climate Change",
    "Glossary of Climate Change Terms",
    "Radiation Protection Radiation Glossary; RadTown Glossary",
    "Greenhouse Gas Emissions",
    "How's My Waterway Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/radiation/"
}