Cloud-driven patterns of surface solar irradiance as seen by a spatial network 
of radiometers

Mol, Wouter; Heusinkveld, Bert; van Heerwaarden, Chiel

doi:10.57757/IUGG23-3218

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Cloud-driven patterns of surface solar irradiance as seen by a spatial network of radiometers

Authors

Mol, Wouter
IUGG 2023, General Assemblies, 1 General, International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), External Organizations;

Heusinkveld, Bert
IUGG 2023, General Assemblies, 1 General, International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), External Organizations;

van Heerwaarden, Chiel
IUGG 2023, General Assemblies, 1 General, International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), External Organizations;

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Mol, W., Heusinkveld, B., van Heerwaarden, C. (2023): Cloud-driven patterns of surface solar irradiance as seen by a spatial network of radiometers, XXVIII General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) (Berlin 2023).
https://doi.org/10.57757/IUGG23-3218

Cite as: https://gfzpublic.gfz-potsdam.de/pubman/item/item_5020470

Abstract

Surface solar irradiance varies on scales down to seconds or meters due to clouds. This highly variable nature of irradiance is not resolved by atmospheric models, yet heterogeneity in surface irradiance impacts the overlying cloud field. The inability to resolve irradiance variability, aside from insufficient model resolution, is explained by our limited understanding of cloud-driven solar irradiance variability at small spatiotemporal scales and the lack of high resolution spatial observational data. In 2021, we gathered new observational data with a network of low-cost radiometers, specifically designed to gather data on cloud-driven surface patterns of irradiance. We will present results on various kinds of surface patterns in relation to cloud type and atmospheric conditions, based on these observations. Our radiometers sample surface solar irradiance at 10 Hz for 18 wavelengths, which we deployed in different setups in the FESSTVaL (Germany) and LIAISE (Spain) field campaigns. Our results highlight the complexity and wide range of regimes in spatiotemporal irradiance variability, but also provide insights into its driving mechanisms. These insights help guide the development of improved radiative transfer calculations, in order to move towards models that can accurately resolve irradiance variability in an operational setting.