Global Distribution of UV Irradiance at the Earth's Surface From EPIC Measured Radiances and Comparisons with OMI data.
Abstract
Synoptic measured radiances from DSCOVR/EPIC observations of the sunlit Earth are used to derive ozone amounts and cloud reflectivity to derive global images of the distribution of UV irradiance as a function of latitude, longitude, altitude, and local time from sunrise to sunset centered on the Americas, Europe-Africa, and Asia. Dangerously high amounts of Erythemal irradiance (12 < UV index < 18) are found for many low-latitude or high-altitude sites moderated by the presence of persistent cloud effects. High UV index levels (UVI > 6) are also found at mid-latitude sites. These levels and higher are known to lead to health problems (skin cancer and eye cataracts) with extended unprotected exposures. EPIC data are used to show the latitudinal distribution of Erythemal irradiance from 75O S equator to 75ON and for specific longitudes. As part of this study, comparisons are made with measurements derived from the polar orbiting satellite, OMI.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFM.A41C..03H
- Keywords:
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- 3311 Clouds and aerosols;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES;
- 3359 Radiative processes;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES;
- 3360 Remote sensing;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES