Ultraviolet Index measurements in Southern Bahia, Brazil
Abstract
This work presents results of the Joint Project for Solar UV Index Measurements in Southern Bahia State (PIU Project), and represents the first effort to measure UV radiation in this tourist region. The project goal is twofold: it has a scientific component in which the distribution of UV Index will be mapped out, and it also intends to disseminate the data as a mean of divulgation of the UV Index levels to the population. This constitutes a meaningful effort to reduce health risks from excessive solar radiation exposure in a country that reports more than 120,000 new skin cancer cases each year. This project is within the framework of a larger initiative to studying UV index distribution in Brazilian regions. PIU project has had two phases: 1) seasonal measurements were performed during the summer and winter seasons of 2006 and 2007 on a sandy beach in Ilhéus (15,0° S; 39,0° W; sea level), as well as on an asphalt surface in the urban perimeter of Itabuna (14,8° S; 39,3° W; 54 m ASL); and 2) since October 2007, measurements have been continuously conducted on a concrete surface, about 20 km from the beach, in a urban area of Ilhéus. During the summer season, UV Index reaches extreme values (>11), and in winter, results range between high (6<UVI⩽8) and very high values (8<UVI⩽11), according to World Health Organization recommendations. Clear-sky conditions were observed in most part of the seasonal measurements. In these conditions, aerosol optical depth will be retrieved from MODIS sensors (Aqua and Terra satellites) and UV theoretical calculations should be used to quantify the radiation attenuation.
- Publication:
-
Current Problems in Atmospheric Radiation (IRS 2008)
- Pub Date:
- March 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.3117021
- Bibcode:
- 2009AIPC.1100..463D
- Keywords:
-
- 92.60.Mt;
- 42.68.Ay;
- 95.85.-e;
- Particles and aerosols;
- Propagation transmission attenuation and radiative transfer;
- Astronomical observations