MODULE 2.3 METEOROLOGY: SOLAR RADIATION Flashcards
It refers to the energy that is emitted by
the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves. This energy travels through space and reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, where it can be absorbed or reflected by various substances, such as the Earth’s surface,
clouds, and gases in the atmosphere.
Solar Radiation
Plays an important role in Climate
Solar Radiation
It refers to the amount of solar radiation that is received by a surface, such as the Earth’s surface or the surface of a solar panel, per
unit area (watts/sq.m). It is typically measured in watts per square meter.
Solar Irradiance
Factors affecting Solar Radiation
*Season
*Clouds
Factors affecting Solar Irradiance
*Time of day
*Season
*Latitude
*Altitude
*Atmospheric Circulation/condition
Other term use for Solar Radiation or Solar Energy.
Solar Irradiation
Composition of Solar Radiation
*Visible Light
*Ultraviolet Radiation
*Infrared Radiation
*Other Components (X-rays, Gamma-rays, Radio-ways)
It refers to the energy that is emitted by
the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves and that reaches a surface, such as the Earth’s surface or a solar panel.
Solar Irradiation
It can be measured in different ways, including by the amount of solar radiation that is received by a surface per unit area, or by the amount of solar energy that is received over a period of time.
Solar Irradiation
Importance of Solar Radiation
*Essential energy source
*Life support
Factors influencing Solar Radiation
*Atmospheric Factors
*Geographical Factors
*Seasonal Variations
What are the components under Atmospheric Factors
*Atmospheric Composition - gases, aerosols, clouds
*Aerosols and Particles
Sources of Aerosols and Particles under Atmospheric Factors
*Natural Sources - Volcano eruptions, wildfires
*Anthropogenic Sources - Artificial Sources (Industrial & Agricultural Activities)
What are the components under Geographical Factors
*Latitude- horizontal
*Altitude - vertical (A ↑ P ↓ , A ↓ P↑)
It is absorbed, scattered and reflected
by components of the atmosphere. The amount of radiation reaching the earth is less than what entered the top of the atmosphere.
Solar radiation
Components under Seasonal Variations
*Earth’s tilt and Seasons
*Sun path & solar declination
What are the atmospheric effects?
*Direct Normal Irradiance
*Diffuse Irradiance
*Albedo Irradiance
*Global Horizontal Irradiance
*Global In-Plane Irradiance
It is a radiation from the sun that
reaches the earth without scattering.
Direct Normal Irradiance
It is a direct or diffuse radiation
reflected from the soil or nearby surfaces (snow, lakes, etc.)
Albedo Irradiance
It is a radiation that is scattered by the
atmosphere, clouds, and may arrive from all directions.
Diffuse Irradiance
It is the total amount of shortwave radiation received from above by horizontal surface. It includes both Direct Normal Irradiance and Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance.
Global Horizontal Irradiance
It is the total amount of radiation received from above by an inclined surface.
Global In-Plane Irradiance
What are the instruments use in measuring radiations?
*Pyranometer
*Pyrheliometer
*Spectroradiometer
It is a device that can be used to measure both beam radiation and diffuse
radiation.
Pyranometer
It is a device used for measuring direct
beam radiation at normal incidence.
Pyrheliometer
It measures solar radiation spectrally
resolved.
Spectroradiometer
What are the measurement techniques?
Beam Radiation (IB)
Diffuse Radiation (ID)
Total Radiation (IT)
It is a direct sunlight and doesn’t scatters.
Beam Radiation
It is also known as global radiation.
Total Radiation
It is where solar radiation scattered by
aerosols, dust and molecules.
Diffuse Radiation
This instrument is use in weather stations, scientific research etc.
Pyranometer
It measures intensity of sunlight and solar radiation and also is a “special lights” instrument.
Pyrheliometer
It measures atmospheric composition, aerosols content (absorption & scattering of solar energy)
Spectroradiometer
It measures per area and also known the “total solar irradiance”
Total Radiation
Formula of Total Irradiance
IT = IB + ID
