G-Rad Observation Network

G-Rad Observation Network

 
ESRL GMD Baseline Observatories:

 

 Surface downwelling solar radiation measurements at the four original GMD baseline observatories began when each of the observatories was founded. Subsequently, additional measurement of thermal longwave, upwelling irradiances, and aerosol optical depth were added at these sites. The Trinidad Head site was established later. The intent of these measurements was to maintain long-term records of surface radiation budget components at globally remote sites and to support the other GMD research programs being conducted at these sites. Two of these sites (BRW and SPO) also contribute to the BSRN program as described below and all are part of the GAW project as described below also.

GMD BSRN only sites:

 

 The G-Rad group maintains three additional sites that are contributers to the World Climate Research Programs (WCRP) Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN). The BSRN sites, including BRW and SPO were selected for the site's spatial representativeness and suitability for the applications in climate research involving global climate models and/or satellite-derived related data sets. Bermuda and Kwajalein are funded by NASA HQ Radiation Sciences.

GMD SURFRAD Sites:

 

 The G-Rad group maintains seven radiation budget stations in the continental U.S. comprising the Surface Radiation (SURFRAD) Network. SURFRAD is a component of the World Climate Research Programs (WCRP) Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN). The SURFRAD sites were selected for their spatial representativeness and suitability for the applications in climate research involving global climate models and/or satellite-derived related data sets.

GAW Sites:

 

The Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) program of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has chosen all of the GMD baseline sites as participants. In addition, the G-Rad group assisted in the establishment of downwelling solar irradiance measurement programs at five of the GAW Global Baseline Observatory sites sponsored by Global Environment Fund of the World Bank. The G-Rad program continues to provide assistance to these sites, with the data being processed by the sites and submitted to the World Radiation Data Center (WRDC).

Alaska BSI Sites:

 The G-Rad program is involved in spectral UV measurements at two of the GMD baseline sites, BRW, and MLO and at two other sites as part of research efforts of G-Rad and GMD. This project is currently unfunded and on-hold.

SEARCH Project:

 G-Rad is helping operate the Alert site in cooperation with Canadian researchers as part of the SEARCH program. The site was first installed in 2004 and is intended to contribute to the BSRN program and other similar efforts.

[MAP OF STATION LOCATIONS]