Help with UV Light: Calculate Radiation Energy

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Caseykcraig
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the energy of UVA and UVB radiation in equatorial regions and at a latitude of 35° N, specifically focusing on the wavelength range of 300-420 nm. Participants explore the feasibility of theoretical calculations versus practical measurements of UV radiation at different elevation levels.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in calculating UV radiation energy at specific elevations and latitudes, emphasizing the 300-420 nm range.
  • Another participant notes that the actual amount of UV received is highly dependent on local weather conditions and seasonal variations.
  • A later reply suggests that measuring UV radiation directly at the locations would yield more accurate results than theoretical calculations.
  • One participant expresses a desire to assume ideal conditions (no cloud cover) to find maximum UV radiation values.
  • There is a mention of seeking online references from NOAA or other atmospheric research institutes for meaningful figures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to determine UV radiation levels, with some advocating for calculations and others for measurements. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective method.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that local weather and seasonal factors significantly influence UV radiation levels, which complicates theoretical calculations. There is also a reliance on assumptions about ideal conditions for maximum values.

Caseykcraig
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Hi everybody! I was hoping I could get some insight on how to calculate the energy of uva and uvb radiation at elevation levels of 0m in equatorial regions and at a lattitude of 35° N at 4500m in watts per square meter. Specifically, light in the range of 300-420nm. Any help would be appreciated. Specifically I'm looking at 300-420nm
 
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The amount of uv actually received will be highly dependent on local weather and other factors such as which season of the year.
It seems to me that this exercise would be better undertaken by actually measuring uv at these locations rather than trying to calculate it.
 
rootone said:
The amount of uv actually received will be highly dependent on local weather and other factors such as which season of the year.
It seems to me that this exercise would be better undertaken by actually measuring uv at these locations rather than trying to calculate it.
I'm looking for a maximum, so I want to assume no cloud cover or intervening weather conditions.
 
Caseykcraig said:
I'm looking for a maximum, so I want to assume no cloud cover or intervening weather conditions.

if you cannot find any online references by NOAA or other atmospheric research institute

then rootones' comment is your obvious choice for any meaningful figures

rootone said:
It seems to me that this exercise would be better undertaken by actually measuring uv at these locations rather than trying to calculate it.
Dave
 

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