Determination of the earth-atmosphere radiation budget from NOAA satellite data

The radiation budget was calculated using observations obtained by the two-channel scanning radiometer aboard NOAA operational satellites. The two channels observed reflected radiation in the visible range and emitted longwave radiation in the atmospheric window. The methods and approximations used in estimating the radiation budget from the operational data are described. Emphasis was placed on mean monthly zonal and global averages and annual maps of the radiation balance parameters, i.e., albedo, outgoing longwave radiation, absorbed radiation, and net radiation. The global albedo was calculated as 32.3% and the outgoing longwave radiation as 248 W/(m squared).