The overarching goal of the GEWEX global data analysis projects is to obtain observations of the elements of the global energy and water cycle with sufficient detail and accuracy to diagnose the causes of recent climate variations in terms of the energy and water exchanges among the main climate components (atmosphere, ocean, land, cryosphere, biosphere). A number of long-term radiative flux products have now been produced, primarily concerning top-of-atmosphere and surface fluxes.

These products have been produced individually; however, the need is to evolve to ever-more consistent analysis products to achieve the objective. To establish a foundation for a better global radiation budget analysis, the GEWEX (and if possible other) data products need to be evaluated by comparison with each other and by investigating causes of differences.

The ultimate objective of the radiation budget analysis is to provide profiles of radiative heating from the surface through the atmosphere to its top; although a crude beginning has been made, more progress depends on the forthcoming CloudSat/CALIPSO, MEGHA-TROPIQUES and EarthCare missions.

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