SAFARI 2000: Diffuse Spectral Irradiance for Eight Southern African Sites

Eight core sites in southern Africa provide monthly mean diffuse irradiance fractions across 10 spectral bands. Values were computed using the 6S radiative transfer model, driven by AERONET sunphotometer aerosol optical depth measurements. The data support the estimation of surface albedo under typical atmospheric conditions.

Use Cases

• Estimating typical surface albedo (blue-sky conditions) using MODIS black-sky and white-sky albedo products.
• Analyzing the spectral dependence of diffuse-to-total irradiance ratios across different land cover types.
• Assessing spatial extrapolation errors for aerosol radiative effects in southern Africa.
• Validating radiative transfer models with ground-based AERONET aerosol optical depth data.

Strengths

• Data is derived from AERONET sunphotometer measurements, a trusted global aerosol observation network.
• Covers eight distinct SAFARI 2000 core sites across three countries, providing regional context.
• Provides values for 10 spectral bands, including seven MODIS bands and three broadbands.

Limitations

• Key metadata conflicts exist: the 'last updated' date differs significantly between platforms (2000 vs. 2026).
• Column names and exact row counts are not provided in any source, limiting immediate usability.
• Spatial extrapolation from nearest-neighbor sunphotometer data introduces an unspecified error.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived via the 6S radiative transfer model using mean aerosol optical depth values from AERONET sunphotometers.

Time Range

Likely centered on the SAFARI 2000 campaign period (2000), but specific year range not stated.

Freshness

Conflicting: datagov lists 2026-04-09, nasa_earthdata lists 2000-12-31.

Geography

Eight sites in southern Africa: Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia.