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Changes in biologically active ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface

S Madronich1, R L McKenzie, L O Björn

  • 1National Center for Atmospheric Research, Atmospheric Chemistry Division, Boulder, CO 80307-3000, USA. sasha@ucar.edu

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology
|January 23, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Stratospheric ozone depletion is causing near-maximum ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation levels, with significant increases observed globally, especially in polar regions. While recovery is expected over 50 years, current UV-B radiation poses risks.

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Area of Science:

  • Atmospheric Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Ozone Layer Research

Background:

  • Stratospheric ozone levels are at historic lows, leading to increased ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
  • Ozone-depleting substances are nearing their peak concentrations, suggesting current ozone losses and UV-B increases are near their maximum.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify increases in surface erythemal UV radiation due to ozone depletion.
  • To assess the correlation between ozone reduction and UV-B increases using ground-based and satellite data.
  • To evaluate the accuracy and limitations of current UV-B measurement techniques and long-term trend analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of stratospheric ozone content and ozone-depleting substances.
  • Estimation of surface erythemal UV radiation increases using ground-based measurements and satellite observations.

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  • Comparison of UV-B data from ground-based instruments and satellite-derived estimates, considering factors like cloud cover and atmospheric pollution.

    • Main Results:

    • Significant increases in UV-B radiation observed globally, with notable variations by latitude and season (e.g., ~7% at Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes, ~130% in Antarctic spring).
    • Strong correlation confirmed between decreased ozone and increased UV-B radiation.
    • Discrepancies noted between ground-based and satellite measurements, potentially due to atmospheric pollution, with ground data showing higher UV-B in the Southern Hemisphere.

    Conclusions:

    • Current UV-B radiation levels are near their maximum due to ozone depletion, with significant regional impacts.
    • While satellite data provides global estimates, ground-based measurements are crucial for validation and detecting regional differences.
    • A slow recovery of the ozone layer and reduction in UV-B radiation is anticipated over the next fifty years.