The World Radiation Data Center (WRDC) was established by the order of WMO in the Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory (Saint Petersburg) in 1964 to centrally collect and provide solar radiation data from the world actinometric network stations. Main gaps: Actually the acquisition of data from some Arctic stations, including Russian ones, is paused due to reconstruction of national actinometric networks. The network included in the international data exchange is sparse. Network type: • Collection of actinometric data from National Meteorological Administrations and other organizations • Processing and control of operational information • Scientific and methodological interaction with NHMS’ • Publication and distribution of bulletins “Solar Radiation and Radiation Balance. World Network”, including data access through the WRDC server http://wrdc.mgo.rssi.ru • Service of users of information on solar radiation • Analysis of historical data • Creation of metadata base
The WRDC has actinometric data from 25 Arctic stations of Russia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Greenland, Canada and USA for 4 radiation parameters: • Total short-wave radiation • Direct short-wave radiation • Scattered short-wave radiation • Radiation balance Radiation data obtained are accompanied by metadata including as follows: • Description of meteorological station • Information on station transfer • Information on replacement of actinometric instruments, their height and position • Horizon closeness chart • Information on changes in measurement procedure (e.g. transition to hourly observation) and information processing algorithm • Information on environmental changes near the station.
Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN), Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW)