Maximum light intensity underwater during seasons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether maximum light intensity underwater varies with the seasons, particularly focusing on the influence of solar irradiance and the position of the sun. Participants explore the implications of seasonal changes in sunlight exposure on underwater illumination, while considering factors such as latitude and the angle of sunlight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Allison proposes that maximum light intensity underwater may change with the seasons, suggesting a consideration of monthly solar irradiance while noting potential biases due to latitude.
  • Some participants argue that the angle of the sun varies throughout the year, particularly outside of equatorial regions, which would affect underwater illumination.
  • There is a contention about the assumption that the sun can be directly overhead, with some stating that if this were the case, seasonal variations like summer and winter would not apply.
  • Allison expresses uncertainty about the relationship between temperature, light hours, and peak solar irradiation, seeking data on average maximum irradiation of visible light at different latitudes.
  • Participants highlight the complexity of measuring solar irradiation and the potential for confusion between total solar irradiation and peak visible light irradiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effects of seasonal changes on underwater light intensity. There are multiple competing views regarding the relevance of the sun's position and the implications for illumination during different seasons.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in available data on peak average solar irradiation, indicating that existing sources may not adequately address the specific question of visible light intensity variations throughout the year.

Alfreds9
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Hi,

I was thinking if maximum light intensity underwater during seasons changes somehow.

I firstly thought about considering monthly solar irradiance (http://neo.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/view.php?datasetId=CERES_INSOL_M) however I thought this would have been biased at certain latitudes due to seasonal variation of total light hours.

So, not considering algal growth affecting water tubidity and always considering sun being straight above water, do you think that you'd get a stronger (visible, not considering IR or UV) illumination during summer rather than during winter or would they reach 10, 20 or more meters relatively unaffected in either season?

Thank you

Allison
 
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If the Sun were straight above the water (on the local vertical) the things would be different.
However, unless you live very close to Equator, the Sun will never be in this situation. And the maximum height in the sky varies during the year. I don't see why would you expect to have a constant illumination of the water when we don't get it for the rest of the landscape. In winter everything gets less light and heat from the Sun in the temperate and Nordic regions.
But maybe I misunderstood you question?
 
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Alfreds9 said:
and always considering sun being straight above water, do you think that you'd get a stronger (visible, not considering IR or UV) illumination during summer rather than during winter
If the sun is straight above water, you don't have summer and winter.
 
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nasu said:
If the Sun were straight above the water (on the local vertical) the things would be different.
However, unless you live very close to Equator, the Sun will never be in this situation. And the maximum height in the sky varies during the year. I don't see why would you expect to have a constant illumination of the water when we don't get it for the rest of the landscape. In winter everything gets less light and heat from the Sun in the temperate and Nordic regions.
But maybe I misunderstood you question?

A.T. said:
If the sun is straight above water, you don't have summer and winter.

I see, didn't think about this, thank you very much...I always thought that zenith was zenith and it didn't vary noticeably, with temperature variations being mostly dependent on light hours and longer peak time.

Where can I find peak average solar irradiation by month (meaning the average maximum irradiation of visible light reaching a certain latitude at peak time during a month)?
I can only find total solar irradiation data on NOAA, but since they're a sum of irradiation values and obviously light hours, their total amount is somewhat biased and can't show me when average solar irradiation during peak time is higher during the year.
One could guess that it's higher when its hotter but again I don't know if I can be sure of this since it may just be a variation of infrared irradiation rather than visible light.

Thanks again.
 
A.T. said:
If the sun is straight above water, you don't have summer and winter.
Or even day and night!
 
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