This map shows the broad band albedo at 60 deg. solar zenith angle for the Month of October 1986. The albedo is calculated in a two step process. The first step is to determine scene type for a given 10 minute region. The SARB group uses the 17 scene types as specified by the International Geosphere/Biosphere Programme, plus "Tundra", "Sea Ice" and "Fresh Snow" scenes. (see Scene Map). Each has an associated spectral albedo curve between 0.2 and 4.0 micrometers. These spectral curves are integrated to give a broad band albedo for the region. To download a copy of this map press here .

This map is meant to illustrate global albedo, not be a true reprsentation of it. For maps of albedo derived for specific places/times see: FSW Surface albedo

Before calculating the albedo the scene is tested for snow or ice (we have overlayed microwave maps of snow & ice as an example only.) Should there be any within the region, spectral curves for both the underlying scene and the snow or ice are appropriately weighted and averaged.