Reading Assignment No.

Solar Radiation and Intensity Measurement and

Applications

Group 2

Adlaon, Zirahlean M.
Bonilla, Liane Mae M.
Galo, Michael V.
Lim, Mabel Dianne M.
Tacorda, Marjorie D.
 CITATION
Merging ground-based sunshine duration observations with satellite cloud and
aerosol retrievals to produce high-resolution long-term surface solar radiation over
China
Fei Feng and Kaicun Wang
Research Center for Urban Forestry, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University,
Beijing 100083, China
State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, College of
Global Change and Earth System Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing
100875, China
These authors contributed equally to this work. Correspondence: Fei Feng
([email protected]) and Kaicun Wang ([email protected])
Received: 10 August 2020 – Discussion started: 3 November 2020 Revised: 30
January 2021 – Accepted: 1 February 2021 – Published: 8 March 2021

INTRODUCTION
There had been a great progress on the creation of systems used for
meteorological observations and data gathering (Feng and Wang, 2021). On the
terms of the systems which measures surface solar radiation (Rs) variability, there
also have been a few developed systems, there are ground-based systems and
there is satellite However, these systems that have been developed each have their
advantages and disadvantages. That is: the systems that can provide accurate
information can only operate on short timescales. And with a short timescale, there
had been observed to be lots of inhomogeneity on the data recorded due to
sensitivity drift (Wang, 2014; Wang et al., 2015; Yang et al., 2018; Feng and Wang,
2021). Another issue is the low spatial resolution due to the deficiency of the satellite
systems to simulate cloud and aerosol quantity (Feng and Wang, 2019; Zhao et al.,
2013; Feng and Wang, 2019). Thus, in this study, the researchers aimed to enhance
the availability of surface solar radiation (Rs) data and build long-term Rs variations
by merging SunDu-derived Rs with satellite-derived cloud fraction and aerosol
optical depth (AOD) to generate high-spatial resolution djdkd djdjsk resolution
(0.1°) Rs.

Conducting this study is such a necessity because it helps provide an enhanced

knowledge of surface solar radiation (Rs) and other global climate system by
providing a long-term data with a high spatial resolution. This would then lead to the
improvement of human responses towards any variation of the climate. Moreover,
the findings of this study are also relevant to hydrometeorology as such system is a
component of a hydrometeorological station. Improving the systems composing the
hydromet station would of course improve the general state of the station itself. And
if realized, this study would then improve the state of the rest of the hyrdomet
stations around the world providing long-term Rs variations while generating high
spatial resolution and thus providing most efficient information for the use of men.
 SUMMARY
Hydrometeorological systems have evidently progressed. However, the
existing systems have each of their lapses. Thus, in order to fix each systems’
lapses, the researchers merged SunDu-derived Rs with satellite-derived cloud
fraction and aerosol optical depth (AOD) to achieve their desired system, that which
can monitor surface solar radiation (Rs) variation for a long run while providing a
high-spatial and quality resolution data (Feng and Wang, 2021). There are two types
of merging method that was tested: the geographically weighted regression (GWR)
and the ordinary least-squares regression (OLS). The researchers then used the
data gathered by: a) ground-based observations (direct observations and SunDu-
derived Rs) and (b) satellite data. Moreover, the researchers fused two or three
existing models and used GWR parameter comparison to determine how to achieve
long-term Rs variations while generating high spatial resolution. Results then pointed
out that the GWR method, incorporated with cloud fraction (CF) and aerosol optical
depth (AOD) GWR-CF-AOD to be the most appropriate merging method, giving out
the best performance. This result is due to the fact that this merging method have
best dealt with the role of clouds and aerosols in the regulation of the Rs variation.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
 RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESIS

Research Questions:

 How well do ground-based sunshine duration observations correlate with

satellite cloud and aerosol retrievals?
 What is the impact of merging ground-based and satellite data on the
accuracy and resolution of surface solar radiation measurements?
 What is the spatial distribution of surface solar radiation over China based on
the merged data?

Hypothesis:

 The ground-based sunshine duration observations will show a strong positive

correlation with satellite cloud and aerosol retrievals, indicating that both
methods provide consistent and accurate measurements of solar radiation.
 Merging ground-based and satellite data will result in improved accuracy and
resolution of surface solar radiation measurements compared to using either
dataset alone.
 The merged data will reveal spatial variations in surface solar radiation across
different regions of China, with some areas experiencing higher solar radiation
levels than others.

METHODS AND DATA

The author used a variety of research techniques and data sources. The
authors collected ground-based sunshine duration observations from various
stations across China. These observations provide information about the amount of
time during the day when direct sunlight is available. This data was used to estimate
surface solar radiation. In addition to ground-based observations, the authors utilized
satellite cloud and aerosol retrievals. These retrievals provide information about the
cloud cover and aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere. By combining this data
with the ground-based observations, the authors were able to estimate the surface
solar radiation at a high resolution. These data sources provide a broader spatial
coverage, allowing for the estimation of surface solar radiation over large areas.

The appropriateness of these methods can be evaluated based on their ability

to address the research objectives. Ground-based observations are crucial for
obtaining accurate information about sunshine duration. Satellite retrievals, on the
other hand, provide a broader coverage of the entire region and allow for the
estimation of surface solar radiation at a high resolution. One strength of this
approach is the integration of multiple data sources. By combining ground-based
observations with satellite retrievals, the authors were able to overcome the
limitations of each individual data source. This integration provides a more
comprehensive understanding of surface solar radiation over China. However, there
are also some weaknesses associated with these methods. Ground-based
observations may be limited to specific locations, which could introduce spatial bias.
Additionally, satellite retrievals may be affected by cloud cover and atmospheric
conditions, which can impact the accuracy of the estimated surface solar radiation.
Overall, the authors' research methods and data sources in this report demonstrate a
comprehensive approach to estimating surface solar radiation over China. The
combination of ground-based observations and satellite retrievals allows for a high-
resolution analysis, although limitations related to spatial bias and data accuracy
should be considered.

RESULTS

The study evaluated two merging methods, geographically weighted

regression (GWR) and ordinary least-squares regression (OLS), to combine ground-
based sunshine duration observations with satellite-derived cloud fraction and
aerosol optical depth (AOD). The GWR-CF-AOD method was found to be the most
appropriate, providing the best performance in estimating surface solar radiation
(Rs).

Ground-based sunshine duration observations showed a strong positive correlation

with satellite cloud and aerosol retrievals. This indicates that both methods provide
consistent and accurate measurements of solar radiation, supporting the hypothesis
that merging these data sources would enhance accuracy. The merging of ground-
based and satellite data resulted in improved accuracy and resolution of surface
solar radiation measurements compared to using either dataset alone. This
demonstrates the effectiveness of the integrated approach in overcoming the
limitations of individual data sources. The merged data revealed spatial variations in
surface solar radiation across different regions of China. Some areas experienced
higher solar radiation levels than others, providing valuable insights into the spatial
distribution of solar energy resources.
Figure 1. The figure likely shows a map of China with color-coded surface solar
radiation values, highlighting spatial variations.
Table 1. A summary table comparing the performance of different merging methods,
with a focus on GWR CF-AOD.

These key findings suggest that the integrated approach of merging ground-based
and satellite data using the GWR CF-AOD method is effective in enhancing the
accuracy and spatial resolution of surface solar radiation estimation, which is
essential for various applications, including climate research and renewable energy
planning.
DISCUSSION

The significance of the results presented in this study and their implications
for the field of hydrometeorology are substantial. The study’s findings provide a more
accurate and high-resolution understanding of surface solar radiation (Rs) over
China. The study demonstrates the importance of integrating ground-based
observations and satellite data to overcome the limitations of each individual data
source. This integrated approach can serve as a model for improving data quality
and resolution in hydrometeorology and other environmental sciences. The study
addresses existing limitations In meteorological observation systems, such as
sensitivity drift and low spatial resolution. By proposing a method to merge data
sources effectively, it offers a practical solution to enhance the accuracy and spatial
coverage of meteorological data, which is critical for decision-making in agriculture,
energy production, and disaster management. Presented here could be adapted to
improve data quality and spatial resolution in other regions.

Strengths of the study is the study combines multiple data sources, including
ground-based observations and satellite retrievals, providing a holistic view of
surface solar radiation. The achievement of a high-spatial resolution (0.1°) for Rs
data is a notable strength, as it allows for detailed analyses at regional and local
scales. The study’s findings have practical implications for various sectors, including
agriculture, renewable energy, and climate research. Limitations of the Study is the
ground-based observations may be unevenly distributed across regions, potentially
introducing spatial bias in the merged data. Satellite retrievals can be affected by
cloud cover and atmospheric conditions, impacting the accuracy of the estimated
surface solar radiation. The study primarily focuses on China, and the applicability of
the methodology to other regions may require adjustments and validation.

Unanswered Questions and Future Research are the validation, further research
could focus on validating the merged data against independent measurements to
assess the accuracy of the proposed methodology. Exploring advanced data
assimilation techniques to combine ground-based and satellite data could lead to
even more robust results. The enhanced Rs data could be integrated into climate
models to improve the accuracy of climate projections and understanding of climate
change impacts.
CRITICAL EVALUATION
 METHODOLOGICAL STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

The researchers used (a) ground-based observations (b) satellite data in data
gathering. Under the ground-based observations are the direct observations
obtained from the China Meteorological Data Service Centre from the year 2000-
2017 and from approximately 2400 meteorological stations from the China
Meteorological Administration (CMA) from the year 1980-2017. The used method in
data gathering is appropriate due to the fact that it can provide the required
information necessary to answer their existing problem.

DATA QUALITY AND SOURCES

The data sources used by this study are reliable because they are from
established stations such as the China Meteorological Data Service Centre and from
China Meteorological Administration and from the satellite systems. The author
somewhat inadequately addressed data limitation providing a very recent sources
that could affect the outcome of the research. Although some of it were recent, the
result was successfully gained through the author’s ground-based observation and
gathering satellite data which made the research paper enhanced its accuracy,
directness, and reliability.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In conclusion, the result shows that the combination of ground-based

observations and satellite retrievals can effectively produce high-resolution long-term
surface solar radiation data over China. This merged data set provides valuable
information about the spatial distribution and seasonal variations of surface solar
radiation, which is crucial for renewable energy planning and other applications.

With this merged dataset, policymakers, energy planners, and researchers

can make informed decisions regarding the placement and capacity of solar energy
systems, optimize crop planting schedules, understand climate patterns, and design
sustainable cities. The availability of high-resolution solar radiation data can also
promote the development of solar energy technologies and improve their efficiency. It
can help identify areas with high solar potential and facilitate the integration of solar
power into the existing energy grid. Furthermore, the research findings can
contribute to our understanding of the impacts of solar radiation on climate change
and the environment or maybe the other way around.
 Overall, the merging of ground-based observations with satellite retrievals to
produce high-resolution long-term surface solar radiation data over China has
important implications for various sectors and can contribute to the advancement of
renewable energy and sustainable development.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

I find the paper interesting because, primarily, it gave me an idea that other
than global warming, global dimming is also an existing issue. And I find that as quite
an interesting fact. Moreover, it emphasizes that there are systems developed to
measure this variability of surface solar radiation and that these systems have their
pros and cons, thus in order to bridge their lapses, the researchers merged data
gathered from two existing systems. Which is a very smart way to give solutions to
existing problems. Lastly, yes, the implications of this paper have raised spark or
curiosity about hydrometeorology because I have learned new and interesting facts
from here, which can only be learned through the data gathered by such systems.

REFERENCES

Feng, F. And Wang, K. C.: Merging ground-based sunshine duration observations

with satellite cloud and aerosol retrievals to produce hig-resolution long-term
surface solar radiation over China: Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 907-922, 2021

Feng, F. and Wang, K. C.: Determining Factors of Monthly to Decadal Variability in

Surface Solar Radiation in China: Evi-dences From Current Reanalyses, J.
Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 124, 9161-9182, 2019.

Wang, K. C.: Measurement biases explain discrepancies be-tween the observed and
simulated decadal variability of sur-face incident solar radiation, Sci. Rep.-UK,
4, 6144-6150, https://doi.org/10.1038/srep06144, 2014.

Wang, K. C., Ma, Q., Li, Z., and Wang, J.: Decadal variability of sur-face incident
solar radiation over China: Observations, satellite retrievals, and reanalyses,
J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 120, 6500-6514, 2015.

Yang, S., Wang, X. L., and Wild, M.: Homogenization and Trend Analysis of the
1958-2016 In Situ Surface Solar Radiation Records in China, J. Climate, 31,
4529-4541, 2018.

Zhao, L., Lee, X., and Liu, S.: Correcting surface solar radiation of two data
assimilation systems against FLUXNET observations in North America, J.
Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 118, 9552-9564, 2013.