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Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Do satellites detect trends in surface solar radiation?
R T Pinker1, B Zhang, E G Dutton
1Department of Meteorology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 10, 2005
Summary
Global solar radiation (S) shows long-term variations impacting climate and energy. Satellite data reveal an increase from 1983-2001, differing from ground-based reports.
Area of Science:
- Earth Science
- Climate Science
- Atmospheric Physics
Background:
- Long-term solar radiation (S) variations influence climate, hydrology, photosynthesis, and solar power.
- Previous reports indicated sustained decreases in S from 1960 to 1990.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate global temporal variations in solar radiation using the longest satellite record.
- To reconcile discrepancies between satellite and ground-based solar radiation measurements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the longest available satellite record for global solar radiation (S) analysis.
- Compared satellite-derived S variations with independent satellite and ground-based observations.
Main Results:
- Observed an overall increase in global S from 1983 to 2001 at 0.16 W/m² (0.10%) per year.
- The trend comprised a decrease until approximately 1990, followed by a sustained increase.
- Global satellite findings align with recent satellite data but contrast with ground-based observations.
Conclusions:
- Satellite data provide a uniform global perspective on solar radiation trends, differing from ground station limitations.
- The study highlights a recent increasing trend in global solar radiation after a period of decline.
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