Product dependency of Fire-driven surface albedo radiative forcing global estimates: a spatial and temporal consistency analysis

This paper addresses the product consistency in a cross-ECV model space driven ECV’s to estimate the radiative forcing (RF) due to the direct effect of fire- driven surface albedo change. Monthly radiative forcing’s are modeled using three Earth Observation land surface albedo (MCD43C3, GlobAlbedo and Copernicus Global Land Services) and five burnt area (FireCCIv4, FireCCIv5, MCD45C5, MCD64C6 and Copernicus Global Land Services) products, and the ERA5 downward Solar radiation at the Surface. The ensemble consistency is analyzed spatially and seasonally by vegetation cover type using the Land Cover CCI product, and using four spatial resolutions (0.05°, 0.10°, 025° and 0.5°). Results show that depending on the combined products and spatial resolution, estimates can differ significantly. In general, higher estimates result at coarser resolutions and variation between product combinations can differ between 26% to 46%, depending on the type of vegetation. In addition, significant temporal trends of opposing signs can be detected. This study presents an example of cross-ECV modelling. Due to the increasing number, and coverage, of Earth Observation satellite programs, these results highlight the need to assess the fitness for purpose of the derived products.