Seasonal and Inter-annual Variability of Atmospheric Turbidity with an Emphasis on the Southern Hemisphere

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University of Delaware The objective of this investigation is to improve our knowledge of aerosols by estimating and examining atmospheric turbidity. Turbidity represents the ability of aerosols to attenuate solar radiation. The objective is to develop and apply techniques for estimating monthly and possibly daily turbidity from readily available surface-weather and remotely-sensed data, regardless of cloud cover. Using a high resolution spectral radiation model, the investigators will parameterize clear sky beam irradiance and integrate the expression over the day to obtain an equation for estimating potential daily clear sky beam irradiation. Using daily and monthly averaged data, the plan is to solve for turbidity at an array of sample weather station locations. By evaluating data for the 1980s, the method will produce new and more useful estimates of turbidity trends and variability for the Southern Hemisphere. Plans are to disseminate these to scientists over the Internet.