SATELLITE IMAGERY OF CLOUD COVER IN THE STUDY OF SHORT-WAVE RADIATION AT THE EARTH'S SURFACE

Abstract

A method is proposed for analyzing properties of solar radiation at the earth's surface based on satellite observations of cloud cover. It is shown that the amount of incident solar radiation is clearly governed by type of weather conditions and, more specifically, by the quantity and types of clouds. This affords a basis for predicting solar radiation receipt at the earth's surface. Translated by Edward Torrey, Alexandria, VA 22308 from: Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta, geografiya, 1989, No. 2, pp. 83–85.