The Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), represents the total radiation emitted to the space by earth atmosphere system, is a critical component of the Earth’s radiation budget. Observations of OLR retrieved from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the EOS/Aqua platform during 2007-2016 show a strong, plume-like enhancement of OLR over central and southern-west parts of Iraq during June – September. Maximum values occurred in the southern region (365.27 watt/m²), were attributed to the hot, geographic nature and long sunny days. A greater draws down of the OLR occurred over pristine mountains environment at northern region in February (220.37 watt/m²). The monthly analysis shows the seasonal variations in the OLR values fluctuated between wet and dry seasons. The OLR value in dry season was higher than its values in wet season, and the mean standard deviation was (294.5 + 78.5 Watt/m²) over considered stations; Baghdad, Mosul, Rutba, Nasiriya and Basra for study period. The reductions of OLR values at northern area above latitude 34°, especially at mountains, through the study period due low emissivity and moist ground (low temperatures), and more cloudy sky days. Seasonal of OLR distributions shows variations in its values with high in summer, low in winter, and moderate in spring and autumn. The industrial and residential areas showed high OLR value, and low at rural and vegetated areas. The AIRS observation efficiently shows the spatial and temporal variations of OLR for the considered study area. This study sheds new light on the processes and analysis of the OLR emission over Iraq.
