Surface Albedo over the Sahel from METEOSAT Radiances

Bernard Pinty L.A.M.P., University of Clermont II, BP 45, 63170 Aubière. France

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Gérard Szejwach L.M.D., Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau Cedex, France

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Jacques Stum L.A.M.P., University of Clermont II, BP 45, 63170 Aubière. France

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Abstract

A method to estimate surface albedo in the African Sahel is proposed and discussed. This method, which uses METEOSAT imagery and routine surface global radiation measurement is shown to be relevant for climatological studies.

The accuracy in the estimated albedos is analysed with respect to the intervening physical parameters. It is shown that a main source of error lies in the estimate of 0.4–1.1 μm radiances from filtered METEOSAT radiances. This problem limits the expected attainable accuracy in albedo to about 10% for typical land surface albedos.

Abstract

A method to estimate surface albedo in the African Sahel is proposed and discussed. This method, which uses METEOSAT imagery and routine surface global radiation measurement is shown to be relevant for climatological studies.

The accuracy in the estimated albedos is analysed with respect to the intervening physical parameters. It is shown that a main source of error lies in the estimate of 0.4–1.1 μm radiances from filtered METEOSAT radiances. This problem limits the expected attainable accuracy in albedo to about 10% for typical land surface albedos.

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