Land Surface Processes and Climate—Surface Albedos and Energy Balance

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of land surface processes and climate-surface albedos, and attempts to bridge the gap between disciplinary studies of atmospheric versus surface climate. The chapter describes physical processes involving the land surface that are of concern to scientists interested in modeling the global climate system. It looks at the physics of land surface albedos by presenting a conceptual basis for understanding the basic concepts. Physical reasoning and simple mathematical models are used to summarize how these factors determine surface albedos. Some of the aspects of surface energy balance considerations that are important for global climate models are summarized. Factors that are important for determining the albedos and energy balance of land surfaces are also outlined. The mathematical theory of plant canopy albedos is presented, and a summary of parameters determining plant canopy albedo is provided. Concepts related to snow albedos, soil albedos, and surface albedos for climate models are discussed. Modeling temperature of a transpiring canopy, and modeling energy exchange over a snow surface are also described.