Global Data on Land Surface Parameters from NOAA AVHRR for Use in Numerical Climate Models

Abstract

This paper reviews satellite datasets from the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer that could be employed in support of numerical climate modeling at regional and global scales. Presently available NOAA operational and research datasets of different resolutions as well as the NASA?NOAA Pathfinder dataset, available in the near future, are briefly described. Specific problems in deriving surface characteristics in the context of their potential use for models are discussed. Possible ways of solving these problems are briefly described, based on the state-of-the-art level of understanding in this area of research. Some examples of seasonal variability of AVHRR-derived surface parameters, such as albedo, greenness, and clear-sky midafternoon temperature, for different climatic regions are presented. Validation issues and potential operational production of such land climate parameters are discussed.