GLOBAL DATA ON LAND-SURFACE PARAMETERS FROM NOAA AVHRR FOR USE IN NUMERICAL CLIMATE MODELS

This paper reviews satellite datasets from the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer that could be employed in support of numerical climate modeling at regional and global scales. Presently available NO AA operational and research datasets of different resolutions as well as the NASA-NOAA Pathfinder dataset, a in the near future, are briefly described. Specific problems in deriving surface characteristics in t he context of their potential use for models are discussed. Possible w ays of solving these problems are briefly described, based on the stat e-of-the-art level of understanding in this area of research. Some exa mples of seasonal variability of AVHRR-derived surface parameters, suc h as albedo, greenness, and clear-sky midafternoon temperature, for di fferent climatic regions are presented. Validation issues and potentia l operational production of such land climate parameters are discussed .