Energy blance of the Arctic

Abstract

In climatology and general circulation studies all the energy available at the surface is important and not only the short wave component. Reliable observations are available only for short wave radiation, and long wave components must be obtained by the application of radiation laws to the known state of the atmosphere. The present paper contains first the calculation of long wave radiation components and then the radiation balance derived by the combination of all components. The long wave radiation emitted from the ground was calculated with theStefan-Boltzmann formula. Long wave radiation received at the gound was determined from the temperature and humidity condition of the atmosphere first for clear sky conditions (usingElasser radiation diagram) and then for 10/10 cloudiness with low, medium and high clouds. These values were then corrected to actual cloud amounts and types. An analysis of the individual grid points shows that there are a few quite distinct types of radiation regime: Norwegian Sea type, Continental type, Pack Ice type. These are discussed in turn, and the radiation balance for the Arctic is presented in sections along 0°E and 120°E, as well as in twelve monthly maps.