Annual Cycle of Surface Albedo

Abstract

Monthly mean surface albedo for the full spectra range of incoming solar radiation and average atmospheric properties is estimated for the period 1 April 1974?31 March 1975. It can be considered approximately representative of average conditions in the last decade. The monthly global surface albedo, averaged without weighting for radiation income, ranges from 15.7% in August to 17.9% in December, with an annual average of 17.0%. This is higher than most previously published figures. The difference is partly due to the averaging method, and partly to our more accurate satellite based information on snow and ice covers. Parameterized albedo values of characteristic surface types were compiled from published references. Estimates are zonally averaged separately for land and ocean in 2° latitudinal bells.