Remote sensing of shortwave solar radiation and near-surface air temperature changes in the south-eastern baltic

Abstract

The main aim of this work is to determine shortwave solar radiation and near surface air temperatures changes in the south-eastern (SE) Baltic region during 2000-2013 using satellite data and remote sensing methods. The amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth surface (both land and sea surfaces) and its atmosphere defines the local temperatures, meteorological conditions and may indicate climate change processes in the environment systems. Therefore solar radiation reaching the Earth is the main energy source governing the surface temperature dynamics both on the land and in the ocean. While the grid of meteorological stations measuring the solar radiation is rather sparse, satellite remote sensing data can be effectively used instead. However, the latter should also be treated carefully taking into account signal absorption, atmospheric clarity, could coverage, etc. In this work Terra and Aqua, MODIS and AIRS data of 15 x 15 km resolution was used to evaluate the incoming shortwave solar radiation and nearsurface air temperature in the SE Baltic. Space-derived estimates were then compared with regular observations taken at the meteorological stations. The results of the work fairly demonstrate how CM SAF satellite data could be applied for the coastal climate zone indication, breeze dynamics research and cartography of the whole Baltic region.