Net radiation is the balance between incoming and outgoing radiation at the Earth's surface. It is calculated by subtracting the energy radiated away from the energy received from the sun. This balance is crucial for understanding how much energy is available for heating the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Factors such as cloud cover, surface type, and time of year can influence net radiation. For example, forests absorb more sunlight than deserts, leading to different net radiation values. Understanding net radiation helps scientists study climate patterns and energy exchanges in the environment.