Long-Term Variations in Global Solar Radiation and Its Interaction with Atmospheric Substances at Qomolangma

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Climate Science
• Remote Sensing

Background:

• Global solar radiation is crucial for Earth's energy balance and climate.
• Understanding atmospheric interactions with solar radiation is key to climate change research.
• Qomolangma Station provides a unique high-altitude environment for studying atmospheric processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply an empirical model for estimating global solar radiation at Qomolangma Station.
• To analyze trends in global solar radiation, atmospheric loss, and related meteorological parameters from 2007-2020.
• To investigate the role of absorbing and scattering substances in solar radiation loss and their impact on regional climate.

Main Methods:

• Development of an empirical model using observed solar radiation and meteorological data.
• Validation of the model against ground-based observations.
• Calculation of atmospheric solar radiation loss and albedo using the validated model.
• Sensitivity analysis of solar radiation to water vapor and scattering factors.

Main Results:

• The empirical model accurately predicts hourly global solar radiation.
• Global solar radiation increased by 0.22% annually, associated with decreased attenuation factor (AF) and increased water-vapor pressure.
• Absorbing substances contributed significantly (77.23%) to solar radiation loss, with absorbing loss increasing annually.
• Top-of-atmosphere albedo increased, while surface albedo decreased, consistent with satellite data.

Conclusions:

• The empirical model is effective for estimating solar radiation and atmospheric loss at high altitudes.
• Interactions between solar radiation and atmospheric substances play a critical role in regional climate dynamics.
• Observed changes in solar radiation, atmospheric loss, and temperature suggest ongoing climate change at the three poles.