Certain atmospheric constituents lack the molecular structure necessary to absorb and emit infrared radiation effectively. These substances do not contribute to the trapping of heat within the Earth’s atmosphere. Examples include nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, which are the major components of dry air.
The absence of infrared absorption capacity in these atmospheric gases is fundamentally important for maintaining a stable radiative balance. Without this characteristic, the greenhouse effect would be far more pronounced, potentially leading to drastically different climatic conditions than those currently experienced. Their presence in the atmosphere allows for a portion of longwave radiation to escape into space, regulating global temperatures.
