A set of high-resolution multi-spectral satellite images were collected and processed to estimate the sediment concentration in the sea-breaking zone. The value of Total Suspended Matter (TSM) is empirically related to the sea surface reflectance. However, in order to obtain accurate reflectance measurements from the satellite images, the effect of the atmosphere needs to be accounted for. A se...

Remote sensing and field spectroscopy of natural waters is typically performed under clear skies, low wind speeds and low solar zenith angles. Such measurements can also be made, in principle, under clouds and mixed skies using airborne or in-situ measurements; however, variable illumination conditions pose a challenge to data analysis. In the present case study, we evaluated the inversion of h...

Reflected solar radiance from the Earth– atmosphere system is polarized. Radiance measurements can be affected by light’s state of polarization if the radiometric sensor has polarization dependence. To enable the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission for inter-calibration of the imagers with polarization dependence, such as the MODIS, the polarization state of...

Solar absorptances are often derived from the reflectance values measured with devices which make use of integrating spheres. Instruments of this type can be operated in two different ways, according to whether spectral or integrated reflectances are measured. Though solar absorptances derived from spectral data are inherently more accurate, some commercially available reflectometers are found ...

UNLABELLED The reflectance of the controlled periodic Si nanowire (NW) arrays is systematically explored, which characterizes the influence on the solar energy harnessing ability by the geometries of the NW. A unique dependence of the reflectance of the Si NW array on the diameter, the height, and the bending of the NW are disclosed. The solar energy loss caused by the reflection of the Si NW a...

Ultra-refractory diborides are currently studied mainly as thermal protection materials for aerospace and military applications. However, their favourable properties (very high melting points and good thermo-mechanical properties at high temperatures) can be advantageously exploited to increase the operating temperature of thermodynamic solar plants in concentrating solar power systems. This pa...

A novel material open to warm air stays below ambient temperature under maximum solar intensities of mid-summer. It is found to be 11 °C cooler than a commercial white cool roof nearby. A combination of specially chosen polymers and a silver thin film yields values near 100% for both solar reflectance, and thermal emittance at infrared wavelengths from 7.9 to 13 μm.

Land surface albedo describes the fraction of incoming solar energy reflected at a given point and time, and hence determines the surface temperature and evapotranspiration. It is strongly dependent on the solar zenith angle and the three-dimensional structure of vegetation canopy (e.g., Yang et al. 2001; Schaaf et al. 2002). The land surface albedo in regional and global models can be specifie...