Other Names
TSI, SSI
Definition
The total solar radiant energy flowing across a unit
area normal to the direction of propagation and located at the
mean distance of the Earth from the Sun.
Solar irradiance at the top of the atmosphere on a plane
normal to the incident radiation, and at the mean distance of
the Earth from the Sun. Solar irradiance is also referred to as
the solar constant. In satellite remote sensing, the solar
irradiance is used as an onboard calibrartion of visible band
sensors. Some climate studies suggest that small variations in
the solar irradiance associated with solar activity over days
to decades may have an effect the Earth's climate.
GES DISC Datasets
Atmos Composition
