Cloud probability-based estimation of black-sky surface albedo from AVHRR data

Abstract

Abstract. Cloud cover constitutes a major challenge for the surface albedo estimation using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer AVHRR data for all possible conditions of cloud fraction and cloud type on any land cover type and solar zenith angle. Cloud masking has been the traditional way to estimate surface albedo from individual satellite images. Another approach to tackle cloudy conditions is presented in this study. Cloudy broadband albedo distributions were simulated first for theoretical cloud distributions and then using global cloud probability (CP) data of one month. A weighted mean approach based on the CP values was shown to produce very high accuracy black-sky surface albedo estimates for simulated data. The 90 % quantile for the error was 1.1 % (in absolute albedo percentage) and for the relative error it was 2.2 %. AVHRR based and in situ albedo distributions were in line with each other and also the monthly mean values were consistent. Comparison with binary cloud masking indicated that the developed method improves cloud contamination removal.