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Spectral UV irradiance on vertical surfaces: a case study.

A R Webb1, P Weihs, M Blumthaler

  • 1University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester, England. ann.webb@umist.ac.uk

Photochemistry and Photobiology
|April 23, 1999
PubMed
Summary

UV spectral irradiance varies significantly between horizontal and vertical surfaces. Surface orientation, solar angle, and wavelength determine these differences, impacting UV exposure and erythemal risk.

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Area of Science:

  • Atmospheric Optics
  • Radiometry
  • UV Radiation Physics

Background:

  • Understanding UV spectral irradiance distribution is crucial for assessing biological effects and designing protective measures.
  • Previous studies often simplified UV measurements to horizontal surfaces, potentially underestimating exposure on other orientations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between UV spectral irradiance on horizontal and vertically oriented surfaces.
  • To analyze how surface orientation, solar zenith angle, and wavelength influence UV exposure.
  • To determine the diurnal patterns of UV irradiance on different surfaces and their implications for erythemal effective radiation.

Main Methods:

  • Measurements of UV spectral irradiance (290-500 nm) were conducted on horizontal and vertical surfaces at Izana station, Tenerife.

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  • A Bentham DTM300 spectroradiometer was used throughout a cloudless day (18 July 1995).
  • Data analysis focused on the proportionality and dependency of irradiance on surface orientation, solar angle, and wavelength.

    • Main Results:

    • UV irradiance on horizontal surfaces was not directly proportional to that on vertical surfaces.
    • The relationship between horizontal and vertical surface irradiance varied with vertical surface orientation, solar zenith angle, and wavelength.
    • Short UVB wavelengths showed maximum irradiance on vertical surfaces closer to solar noon compared to longer wavelengths.
    • At longer wavelengths, some vertical surfaces received more irradiance than horizontal surfaces, except during midday.
    • At short wavelengths, vertical surfaces generally received less irradiance than horizontal surfaces, except at the beginning and end of the day.

    Conclusions:

    • UV spectral irradiance distribution is complex and highly dependent on surface orientation and solar geometry.
    • Vertical surfaces can receive significant UV exposure, influencing overall UV dose and potential biological effects.
    • Erythemally effective radiation followed the diurnal patterns observed for short UVB wavelengths, highlighting the importance of considering orientation for UV risk assessment.