Atmsopheric Absorption of incoming shortwave (left) and outgoing longwave (right) radiation
Total Atmospheric absorbtion indicated by bottom row
White areas indicate regions of the electromagnetic spectrum not affected (low absorbtion) by the atmosphere where solar radiation can reach the Earth's surface and terrestial radiation can escape out to space. Note that the visible light spectrum and infrared atmospheric window stand out in this regard. Note also the prominent role that water vapor has in absorbing Earth's longwave radiation.