Analysis of radiation parameters derived from the multisatellite Earth Radiation Budget ExperimentTo quantify the diurnal radiative heating and cooling cycles of the earth and the atmosphere, data from instruments on the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) spacecraft and NOAA-9 satellites obtained from February 1985 through January 1986 were used to investigate longwave (LW) and shortwave (SW) flux as well as albedo for each month of the year. Seasonal variations of radiative parameters and their diurnal cycles are examined for the deserts, vegetated land, and oceans over the globe. The results show significant seasonal variations in both the outgoing LW and the absorbed SW flux, and a pronounced difference was found between oceanic and continental surfaces. Over much of the globe, LW warming is balanced by SW cooling, and clouds have a net cooling effect on the earth. Many areas of the earth were found to exhibit significant diurnal variations in both the LW flux and albedo.
Document ID
19920039941
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gibson, G. G. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Denn, F. M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Young, D. F. (Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Hampton, VA, United States)
Harrison, E. F. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Minnis, P. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Barkstrom, B. R. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Wielicki, B. A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)