Aerosol direct radiative forcing at the top of atmosphere based on satellite remote sensing over China Seas: a preliminary study

Abstract

Radiative forcing as an index of climate change can reflect the relative effect of climate factors. To understand climatic implications of aerosols over the China Seas, the aerosol direct radiative forcing at the top of atmosphere (TOA) is computed using three-year collocated Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) radiation fluxes and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aerosol optical thickness data on the platform Terra. The upward radiation flux for clear skies is a key for the aerosol radiative forcing at the TOA. A linear relationship is found between the solar radiation fluxes at the TOA from CERES and the aerosol optical thickness is at 550 nm from MODIS over the China Seas. In a linear regression Eq., the intercept for zero aerosol optical thickness is the radiation flux at the TOA for clear skies. Based on the definition of the aerosol direct radiative forcing at TOA and the diurnal correction factor from a simulated radiative forcing using radiation transfer model, the daily averaged aerosol direct radiative forcing at the TOA is estimated and its seasonal variations over the cloud-free China Seas are presented. In total, the aerosol radiative forcing over the China Seas is negative. It implies that the aerosol over the China Seas is mainly a cooling effect on climate change, which is opposite to the greenhouse effect. The largest aerosol radiative forcing is found in spring, while the smallest is in summer. The aerosol radiative forcing over the coastal region is always more than that in the open ocean in four seasons. The method in the study can be used for evaluation of the aerosols impact on global or region climate from satellite measurements.