The BSRN-station Gobabeb: High quality observations of radiative fluxes in Namibia

The BSRN station at Gobabeb, located on the edge of the Namib Desert and close to the Atlantic Ocean, was established by the University of Basel (UniBas) in 2012. Since then, continuous and nearly gap-free, high-quality observations of the radiation balance and ancillary atmospheric parameters have been conducted in a climatically very sensitive region. This area is characterized by complex interactions between aerosols and clouds, strongly contrasting surface albedo, and alternating moist and dry conditions, yet it lacks accurate observations of radiative fluxes—a situation that is, in fact, typical for much of the Southern Hemisphere. Consequently, these observations are highly valuable for environmental sciences in general, and for Earth system modeling as well as satellite calibration and validation (CAL/VAL) activities in particular.

Unfortunately, UniBas has decided to withdraw from its BSRN activities. In response, the German Weather Service (DWD) and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)—which is already involved in in situ land surface temperature measurements and greenhouse gas observations at Gobabeb—have decided to step in and continue these important measurements. In 2025, DWD, in collaboration with UniBas, deployed a second tracking system for observing downwelling solar and terrestrial radiative fluxes. This was done to ensure continuity of the observations, as the existing systems have aged and are increasingly affected by the harsh environmental conditions.

We will present results and applications of the radiation products from the past 15 years, preliminary findings from the concurrent observations conducted by UniBas and DWD, and outline potential future activities at the Gobabeb site including a possible extension to a station of the Global Reference Upper Air Network (GRUAN).