A simple formula for the net long-wave radiation flux in the southern Baltic Sea

Abstract

This paper discusses problems of estimating the net long-wave radiation flux at the sea surface on the basis of easily measurable meteorological quantities (air and sea surface temperatures, near-surface water vapour pressure, cloudiness). Empirical data and existing formulae are compared. Additionally, an improved formula for the southern Baltic region is introduced, with a systematic error of less than 1 W -2 and a statistical error of less than 20 W -2.

Keywords

• Long-wave radiation flux
• Net infra-red radiation
• Energy exchange between the sea and the atmosphere