ALBEDO MEASUREMENTS OVER THE NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

Abstract

On Septemer 16, 1961, Eppley pyranometers mounted in a P2V?7 aircraft were used to measure the incoming and outgoing solar radiation fluxes at 7,500, 9,500 and 25,000 ft. along flight paths between Atlantic City, N.J., and Erie, Pa. Albedo values are determined from this information for the flight level. Simultaneous photographs and radiation values were obtained on the 25,000-ft. flight. The albedo for the high-level flight varied from 0.158 for no undereast to 0.538 for a complete altocumulus undereast. Two selected observations at 1722 GMT and 1737 GMT are further discussed. A solar radiation budget is prepared for the 1737 GMT measurement using the high-level flight data and ground data from Thornthwaite Laboratories near Elmer, N.J.