Comparison of ARESE clear sky surface radiation measurements

A variety of broadband and spectral surface irradiance measurements from three instrument platforms show significant agreement with one another during three clear sky days (11, 15 and 18 October 1995) during the ARM Enhanced Shortwave Experiment (ARESE). This agreement is only possible when carefully considering absolute and angular calibration issues and applying the recommended correction procedures to the raw signals. By removing systematic measurement errors associated with the various instruments, it is possible to achieve consistencies in the various broadband data sets good to about 1-2% accuracy. It is through these careful comparisons that the measurement techniques currently used in determining downwelling surface flux radiances reflect the highest degree of accuracy and certainty. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.