The Earth absorbs all radiation spectra that strikes it and then emits infrared radiation. The earth's atmosphere, however absorbs and emits infrared radiation. Additionally, the atmosphere absorbs some wavelengths of radiation but is transparent to others. Thus, the atmosphere is a selective absorber. Gases in the atmosphere also are selective absorbers.
Ozone selectively absorbs ultraviolet radiation.
Carbon dioxide and water vapor are strong, selective absorbers of infrared radiation. Atmospheric Window Water vapor and carbon dioxide, however, do not absorb all wavelengths in the infrared spectrum. A certain wavelength range of emitted infrared radiation is not absorbed and passes upward through the atmosphere into space. This wavelength range is called the atmospheric window. At night, clouds can enhance the greenhouse effect.