This award is part of the Arctic System Science (ARCSS) Program, a U.S. Global Change Program. This research project will emphasize spatial and seasonal variability in the radiation budget and the roles of surface reflectivity (albedo) and cloud cover in regulating solar and terrestrial radiation in the lower atmosphere. Planetary albedo and brightness temperature data will be obtained from AVHRR satellite measurements. Other satellite measurements, obtained using Synthetic Aperture Radar, will provide surface type identification and albedos. Data entries will be derived using theoretical and field research results. These data will be used in modeling efforts to evaluate irradiance and heating rates in the lower atmosphere. Existing radiation measurement programs at Barrow, Alaska, will provide validation for theoretical and modeling aspects of the study.
