Importance of aerosols in satellite-derived estimates of surface shortwave irradiance over China

Pyranometer measurements and two satellite‐derived data sets were used to evaluate surface downward shortwave irradiance over China. Compared to pyranometer measurements, the satellite‐derived data overestimated surface shortwave irradiance, particularly over large cities. These positive biases can...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2006-03, Vol.33 (6), p.n/a
Main Authors: Hayasaka, Tadahiro, Kawamoto, Kazuaki, Shi, Guangyu, Ohmura, Atsumu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
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Summary:Pyranometer measurements and two satellite‐derived data sets were used to evaluate surface downward shortwave irradiance over China. Compared to pyranometer measurements, the satellite‐derived data overestimated surface shortwave irradiance, particularly over large cities. These positive biases can be attributed to aerosols with absorptive properties; aerosols especially in the sub‐cloud layer impact surface shortwave irradiance determinations under cloudy conditions. Satellite‐derived radiation data sets are useful. However, aerosols strongly affect surface shortwave irradiance, creating discrepancies between satellite‐derived data and pyranometer measurements.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2005GL025093