Comparison of in-situ and satellite data of surface incoming short-wavelength radiation for the Atlantic Ocean during 2004–2014

Abstract

Information about short-wavelength (from 0.2 to 4 μm) heat radiation fluxes incoming to the ocean surface is available from very few observations collected by shipboard equipment and buoys and obtained from satellite data archives. Presently, the most complete archive on short-wavelength radiation fluxes is provided by geostationary Earth-orbiting satellites, such as 1G and 2G МETEOSAT (European Union), GOES (United States) and HIMAWARI (Japan), which are equipped with scanners operating in the visible and infrared (IR) ranges, which can image the Earth’s disk every 0.5 h. Additionally, the European EPS/MetOP satellites and US NOAA satellites circulating in mid-altitude circumpolar Sun-synchronous orbits and carrying AVHRR radiometers [1] can be used to obtain daily and monthly average values of incoming short-wavelength solar radiation fluxes. In the future, radiation heat flux data measured by satellites will undoubtedly play a leading role; however, today, the available data record spans only the last few decades, still lacking accuracy and consequently requiring thorough validation.