Satellite-Derived Longwave Radiation Budget Data

NOAA NCEI provides longwave radiation budget data derived from morning and afternoon polar-orbiting satellites. The product suite includes daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual mean values of Earth-emitted longwave radiation, measured in watts per square meter (W/m^2). Observations are mapped on a one-degree equal-area grid for day and night periods.

Use Cases

• Analyze spatial patterns of longwave radiation flux (W/m^2) across the one-degree equal-area map.
• Calculate monthly and seasonal mean longwave radiation values for climate model validation.
• Compare day versus night longwave radiation emissions using the separate day and night observations.
• Study long-term trends in Earth's emitted radiation using the annual mean data product.
• Integrate HIRS and GAC longwave data streams for comprehensive radiation budget analysis.

Strengths

• Data is derived from primary morning and afternoon polar-orbiting satellites, ensuring global coverage.
• Includes multiple temporal aggregations: daily, monthly, seasonal, and annual means.

Limitations

• Specific row count, column details, and file size are unknown.
• The dataset is described as a legacy product, which may indicate outdated formats or processing methods.
• The temporal coverage and last update date are unspecified.

Provenance

Source

NOAA NCEI (National Centers for Environmental Information).

Collection Method

Produced from satellite observations by the primary morning and afternoon Polar Orbiters.

Geography

Global, displayed on a one-degree equal-area map.