radiation budget (energy budget) The difference between the amount of incoming solar radiation and the amount of outgoing terrestrial radiation. The balance is in deficit (i.e. more energy leaves the Earth's surface than reaches it from the Sun) at night. Overall, the highest positive net balance is found in low latitudes.

radiation budget(energy budget) The difference between the amount of incoming solar radiation and the amount of outgoing terrestrial radiation. The balance is in deficit (i.e. more energy leaves the Earth's surface than reaches it from the Sun) at night. Overall, the highest positive net balance is found in low latitudes.