A Multi-Instrument Analysis of Global and Regional Variations in Top-of-Atmosphere Radiative Fluxes, Cloud and Aerosol Properties from 2000 - 2005

Recent studies have shown dramatic differences in global albedo anomalies from 2000-2005. In this presentation, we use CERES, MISR, MODIS, SeaWiFS and ISCCP observations to examine variations and trends in top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiative fluxes and cloud and aerosol properties at global, hemispheric and regional scales. Making use of recent improvements in CERES radiative flux and cloud algorithms, the reflected solar and emitted thermal radiative flux variability at regional scales (tropics, midlatitudes, polar) is examined as a function of cloud type for all-sky conditions and aerosol optical depth for clear-sky conditions. The radiative anomalies are compared with anomalies in cloud and atmospheric state variables such as cloud fraction, cloud-top temperature, surface temperature, surface-air temperature difference, precipitable water and wind speed. The purpose is to explore the linkage (if any) between radiative flux anomalies and atmospheric state (i.e., meteorology) as a function of cloud type.