GCOS Atmospheric Surface ECV: Radiation Budget
Contributing Networks & Status

The surface radiation budget is a fundamental component of the surface energy budget that is crucial to nearly all aspects of climate, and needs to be monitored systematically. The Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) of the WCRP has established the relevant measurement techniques and is now recognised as the GCOS Baseline Network for Surface Radiation. The development of this global network is being done in concert with Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) observations from satellite (see below). The BSRN provides high-quality measurements of radiation at the surface, but has limited spatial coverage. For truly global coverage, the network should be expanded beyond its current number of about 40 stations, and adequately supported. Additionally, consideration should be given to adding net radiometer measurements to a greater number of WWW/GOS surface synoptic stations, especially in areas where there is an interest in the generation of solar power. 
 
Expansion over the open ocean using research ships and buoys is a key element in attaining global radiation observations, since island stations are typically biased by island-effect clouds. The AOPC, together with the climate research community in the WCRP Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Radiation Panel will develop plans for global coverage with the BSRN network and the establishment of analysis infrastructure. The existing extensive datasets of sunshine duration in most countries could also provide useful historic information for climate analysis, and their incorporation into GCOS analysis and archive centres is required. A very useful contribution is the GEWEX Surface Radiation Budget project, which should be continued indefinitely. Continuous improvements are needed to attain the required climate quality. The strong link to in situ data, e.g., from the BSRN, helps to anchor the satellite and model-based data to the spatially-sparse but more accurate surface measurements.

(Source: WMO/IOC Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC (2010 Update) GCOS-138/GOOS-184/GTOS-76/WMO-TD/No. 1523)

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