ECMWF Atmospheric Profiles in Maroua, Cameroon: Analysis and Overview of the Simulation of Downward Global Solar Radiation

Atmospheric analysis data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have been acquired and are used to characterize the meteorological situation in Maroua, Cameroon ( 10.614 ∘ N, 14.361 ∘ E) at 12:00 UTC. These are then used to simulate downward global solar radiation (DGSR) with the moderate-resolution transmittance (MODTRAN) radiative transfer code (RTC). In comparison with meteorological data measured during the year 2014 in Maroua, ECMWF atmospheric quantities at ground level, in general, showed good correlation coefficients and slight differences. It is shown that ECMWF atmospheric profiles can thus be used to complete the scarce atmospheric data and to study the atmosphere state and dynamics, such as the African monsoon phenomenon detected in this region, which regulates the rainy season. In addition, they are more suitable to simulate clear-sky DGSR compared to MODTRAN standard atmospheric profiles. The causes and effects of the substantial bias and weak correlation coefficient observed with ECMWF wind data and the constant underestimation of simulated DGSR in comparison with ground-based measurements are investigated. The paper emphasizes the need for a better characterization of the Maroua atmosphere state and dynamics as well as the simulation of more accurate and reliable DGSR under any atmospheric conditions.