An official website of the United States government
blue sky with white clouds

World’s premier ground-based observations facility advancing atmospheric research

DIFFCOR

Correction of Diffuse Shortwave Measurements

Baseline VAP

About 1.5 years worth of data from the ARM SGP Central Facility showing the PSP nighttime offset due to IR loss versus the corresponding PIR detector flux loss. Red points are those under “moist” conditions.

The DIFFCORR1DUTT VAP uses two techniques to correct shortwave (SW) data during daytime hours, using information from a collocated pyrgeometer. First, the detector-only correction technique uses data in the form of irradiance loss from the pyrgeometer detector. Second, the full-correction technique uses information from collocated pyrgeometer detector data, plus the difference between the case and dome temperatures. Both techniques collect nighttime data with corresponding pyranometer infrared-loss data. The fitting routine for detection and correction consists of two modes: dry and moist. Each mode is detected separately in the nighttime data and applied separately during the daytime. The correction to the SW daylight data is applied only if the data pass quality analysis checks. The DiffCorr1Dutt VAP output files contain a best estimate of the downwelling SW, and a best estimate of the diffuse SW. In addition, the output files contain other useful values, such as an estimate of the clear-sky Rayleigh diffuse SW amount, and standard surface meteorological measurements.

For more details, see Improved Correction of IR Loss in Diffuse Shortwave Measurements: An ARM Value-Added Product technical report.

Locations

ARM Logo

Follow Us:

Keep up with the Atmospheric Observer

Updates on ARM news, events, and opportunities delivered to your inbox

Subscribe Now

ARM User Profile

ARM welcomes users from all institutions and nations. A free ARM user account is needed to access ARM data.

Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) | Reviewed March 2025