The Earth Radiation Budget derived from the NIMBUS 7 ERB Experiment

Abstract

The earth radiation budget as determined from the ERB experiment aboard the NIMBUS 7 polar‐orbiting satellite is presented in the form of time‐latitude cross sections, hemispherically and globally averaged time plots, and annual global averages for the time period spanning November 1978 through October 1979. Comparisons are made between results derived from the fixed wide field‐of‐view (WFOV) radiometers and those derived from the scanning narrow field‐of‐view (NFOV) radiometers. While there is excellent agreement in regard to the spatial and temporal variations, the absolute magnitudes differ. The NFOV yields outgoing longwave fluxes and albedos that are about 4W/m 2 and 2.5% respectively, greater than those derived from the WFOV sensors. Also, limited simultaneous comparisons are made between ERB results and those from the AVHRR on the NOAA 7 operational satellite.