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Multiple scattering calculation of the middle ultraviolet reaching the ground
Applied Optics
|February 6, 2010
Summary
This study models light scattering in Earth's atmosphere using a fast radiative transfer method. It quantizes UV radiation flux to the ground, crucial for assessing ozone depletion effects from supersonic aircraft.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric physics and radiative transfer.
- UV radiation and atmospheric optics.
Background:
- The 280-340 nm spectral region is critical for understanding the biological impacts of ozone layer depletion.
- Future supersonic transport aircraft may significantly affect atmospheric ozone levels.
- Accurate modeling of light scattering is essential for environmental impact assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a computationally efficient method for calculating UV radiation flux in a turbid atmosphere.
- To investigate the effects of varying atmospheric parameters on ground-level UV radiation.
- To provide a tool for assessing potential impacts of ozone depletion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a multiple channel solution to the radiative transfer equation for computational speed and accuracy.
- Applied the method to simulate light scattering in the 280-340 nm wavelength range.
- Employed analytic models for standard ozone and aerosol distributions.
Main Results:
- Calculated direct, downward diffuse, and global UV flux reaching the ground.
- Examined the sensitivity of UV flux to solar zenith angle, wavelength, ozone/aerosol thickness, ground albedo, and altitude.
- Developed a semi-empirical analytic formula to represent the results.
Conclusions:
- The multiple channel radiative transfer solution provides accurate and efficient UV flux calculations.
- Variations in atmospheric conditions significantly alter ground-level UV radiation.
- The derived formula facilitates interpolation and communication of UV flux data for environmental studies.
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