Radiance Covariance and Climate Models

Abstract

Spectral empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) derived from the covariance of satellite radiance spectra may be interpreted in terms of the vertical distribution of the covariance of temperature, water vapor, and clouds. This has been done for four major geographic regions: the tropical oceans, midlatitude oceans, and three important land areas. The purpose of the investigation is to demonstrate the important constraints that resolved spectral radiances can place upon climate models.