Abstract
We consider a stratified compressible atmosphere restrained by gravity, in which thermal radiation is transferred by means of vibrational motions of water vapor and carbon dioxide molecules. A set of linearized equations is formulated describing the atmosphere driven by external heating with radiative energy dissipation. From an analysis of the solution, the following conclusions were obtained. Radiative dissipation is appreciable at least for global-scale motion, but if the external heating changes rapidly or slowly, the dissipation may be negligible. Radiative dissipation is important in the beginning phase of water vapor condensation. However, once a cloud is formed in the atmosphere, it encloses a region which is radiatively ineffective and dissipation is confined to a thin layer near the cloud surface.
