Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Improvement of Surface Longwave Flux Algorithms Used in CERES Processing

Shashi K. Gupta Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Shashi K. Gupta in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
David P. Kratz NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by David P. Kratz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Paul W. Stackhouse Jr. NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Paul W. Stackhouse Jr. in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Anne C. Wilber Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Anne C. Wilber in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Taiping Zhang Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Taiping Zhang in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Victor E. Sothcott Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Hampton, Virginia

Search for other papers by Victor E. Sothcott in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Print Publication:
01 Jul 2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2010JAMC2463.1
Page(s):
1579–1589
Restricted access

Abstract

An improvement was developed and tested for surface longwave flux algorithms used in the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System processing based on lessons learned during the validation of global results of those algorithms. The algorithms involved showed significant overestimation of downward longwave flux for certain regions, especially dry–arid regions during hot times of the day. The primary cause of this overestimation was identified and the algorithms were modified to (i) detect meteorological conditions that would produce an overestimation, and (ii) apply a correction when the overestimation occurred. The application of this correction largely eliminated the positive bias that was observed in earlier validation studies. Comparisons of validation results before and after the application of correction are presented.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Shashi K. Gupta, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Suite 200, One Enterprise Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666. Email: shashi.k.gupta@nasa.gov

Abstract

An improvement was developed and tested for surface longwave flux algorithms used in the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System processing based on lessons learned during the validation of global results of those algorithms. The algorithms involved showed significant overestimation of downward longwave flux for certain regions, especially dry–arid regions during hot times of the day. The primary cause of this overestimation was identified and the algorithms were modified to (i) detect meteorological conditions that would produce an overestimation, and (ii) apply a correction when the overestimation occurred. The application of this correction largely eliminated the positive bias that was observed in earlier validation studies. Comparisons of validation results before and after the application of correction are presented.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Shashi K. Gupta, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., Suite 200, One Enterprise Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666. Email: shashi.k.gupta@nasa.gov

Save
Cover Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology
Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology

  • Bloom, S., and Coauthors, 2005: Documentation and validation of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) Data Assimilation System – Version 4. NASA Tech. Memo. TM-2005-104606, Vol. 26, 187 pp.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fung, I., D. E. Harrison, and A. A. Lacis, 1984: On the variability of the net longwave radiation at the ocean surface. Rev. Geophys. Space Phys., 22 , 177–193.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gupta, S. K., 1989: A parameterization for longwave surface radiation from Sun-synchronous satellite data. J. Climate, 2 , 305–320.

  • Gupta, S. K., W. L. Darnell, and A. C. Wilber, 1992: A parameterization for longwave surface radiation from satellite data: Recent improvements. J. Appl. Meteor., 31 , 1361–1367.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Inamdar, A. K., and V. Ramanathan, 1997: On monitoring the atmospheric greenhouse effect from space. Tellus, 49B , 216–230.

  • Kratz, D. P., S. K. Gupta, A. C. Wilber, and V. E. Sothcott, 2010: Validation of the CERES edition 2B surface–only flux algorithms. J. Appl. Meteor. Climatol., 49 , 164–180.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Loeb, N. G., S. Kato, K. Loukachine, and N. Manalo-Smith, 2005: Angular distribution models for top-of-atmosphere radiative flux estimation from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System instrument on the Terra satellite. Part I: Methodology. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 22 , 338–351.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Loeb, N. G., S. Kato, K. Loukachine, N. Manalo-Smith, and D. R. Doelling, 2007: Angular distribution models for top-of-atmosphere radiative flux estimation from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System instrument on the Terra satellite. Part II: Validation. J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol., 24 , 564–584.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Minnis, P., and Coauthors, 1997: Cloud Optical Property Retrieval (System 4.3). CERES Algorithm Theoretical Basis Doc., ATBD Release 2.2, NASA/RP-1376, 60 pp. [Available online at http://asd-www.larc.nasa.gov/ATBD/ATBD.html].

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rossow, W. B., and R. A. Schiffer, 1999: Advances in understanding clouds from ISCCP. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 80 , 2261–2287.

  • Rutan, D. A., F. G. Rose, N. M. Smith, and T. P. Charlock, 2001: Validation data set for CERES surface and atmospheric radiation budget (SARB). GEWEX News,11, No. 1, International GEWEX Project Office, Silver Spring, MD, 11-12.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stackhouse, P. W., S. K. Gupta, S. J. Cox, J. C. Mikovitz, T. Zhang, and M. Chiacchio, 2004: 12-year surface radiation budget data set. GEWEX News,14, No. 4, International GEWEX Project Office, Silver Spring, MD, 10–12.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Stephens, G. L., and P. J. Webster, 1984: Cloud decoupling of surface and planetary radiative budgets. J. Atmos. Sci., 41 , 681–686.

  • Stephens, G. L., A. Slingo, M. J. Webb, P. J. Minnett, P. H. Daum, L. Kleinman, I. Wittmeyer, and D. A. Randall, 1994: Observations of the Earth’s radiation budget in relation to atmospheric hydrology. 4. Atmospheric column radiative cooling over the world’s oceans. J. Geophys. Res., 99 , (D9). 18585–18604.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wallace, J. M., and P. V. Hobbs, 2006: Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey. Elsevier Science, 504 pp.

  • Wielicki, B. A., B. R. Barkstrom, E. F. Harrison, R. B. Lee III, G. L. Smith, and J. E. Cooper, 1996: Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES): An Earth Observing System experiment. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 77 , 853–868.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wilber, A. C., D. P. Kratz, and S. K. Gupta, 1999: Surface emissivity maps for use in satellite retrievals of longwave radiation. NASA Tech. Publication TP-1999-209362, 35 pp.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Zhou, Y., and R. D. Cess, 2001: Algorithm development strategies for retrieving the downwelling longwave flux at the Earth’s surface. J. Geophys. Res., 106 , 12477–12488.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Zhou, Y., D. P. Kratz, A. C. Wilber, S. K. Gupta, and R. D. Cess, 2007: An improved algorithm for retrieving surface downwelling longwave radiation from satellite measurements. J. Geophys. Res., 112 , D15102. doi:10.1029/2006JD008159.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 2952 2654 61
PDF Downloads 259 62 5