Comparison of Surface Energy Fluxes from Global to Local Scale

Abstract This study uses the ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis and observationally constrained top-of-the-atmosphere radiative fluxes to infer net surface energy covering 1985–2018, which can be further adjusted match observed mean land heat uptake. Various diagnostics are applied provide error estimates of inferred on different spatial scales. For this purpose, as well unadjusted compared with other commonly used flux products. On a regional scale, oceanic budget North Atlantic between RAPID array at 26.5°N moorings located farther north (e.g., Greenland–Scotland Ridge) is evaluated. station comprehensive comparison buoy-based presented. Results indicate that global ocean averages agree uptake within 1 W m −2 , while satellite-derived model-based show large biases. Furthermore, closed 2.7 (−0.2) for period 2005–09 when (adjusted) employed. Indirect 2004–16 transport 1.09 PW (1.17 fluxes), agrees transports. exhibit bias −20.1 using reference, confirms expectations biases increase from local However, reference debatable, likely positively biased, suggesting station-scale more order −10 .