Grantee Research Project Results
Attenuation of Visible Sunlight by Limited Visibility and Cloudiness
EPA Grant Number: CR830890C005Subproject: this is subproject number R830890C005 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant CR830890
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Solutions for Energy, AiR, Climate and Health Center (SEARCH)
Center Director: Bell, Michelle L.
Title: Attenuation of Visible Sunlight by Limited Visibility and Cloudiness
Investigators: Frederick, John , Marley, Nancy A. , Gaffney, Jeffrey S. , Jacobsen, Eric
Current Investigators: Frederick, John , Gaffney, Jeffrey S. , Marley, Nancy A. , Jacobsen, Eric
Institution: University of Chicago
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004 (Extended to June 30, 2006)
RFA: Targeted Research Center (2004) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Targeted Research
Objective:
A Multi-Filter Rotating Shadowband Radiometer (MFRSR) operated from the roof of the Hinds Geophysical Sciences Building on the University of Chicago campus for much of calendar year 2005. The measurements analyzed here are total (direct plus diffuse) solar irradiances incident on a horizontal surface in five narrow wavelength bands extending from λ = 416 nm to 868 nm, covering the visible portion of the spectrum and a small segment of the near-infrared. Interpretation of the datasets provides a comprehensive description of the roles of cloudiness and limited visibility on solar irradiance reaching the ground. Issues of particular interest center on (1) characterizing the attenuation associated with limited horizontal visibility under clear skies; (2) determining the extent to which measures of cloud cover that are widely available in meteorological datasets constrain the attenuation provided by prevailing cloudiness; (3) identifying situations where fractional cloudiness leads to surface irradiances in excess of the values for clear skies; and (4) identifying any wavelength dependence associated with the attenuation provided by cloudy skies.
Supplemental Keywords:
cloudiness, solar radiation, visibility, attenuation of solar radiation,, Health, RFA, Air, Scientific Discipline, Health Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments, particulate matter, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Biochemistry, Ecology and Ecosystems, air quality, ultraviolet radiation, human exposure, airborne particulate matter, cardiovascular vulnerability, solar irradiance, particulates, ultaviolet illumination, ozone, urban air , air pollution, human health risk, human health effectsProgress and Final Reports:
Main Center Abstract and Reports:
CR830890 Solutions for Energy, AiR, Climate and Health Center (SEARCH) Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
CR830890C001 The Urban Measurements Project—The Urban Atmosphere Observatory
CR830890C002 The Urban Data Analysis and Modeling Project
CR830890C003 Attenuation of Ultraviolet Solar Radiation by Cloudy Skies: Links to Urban Air Quality
CR830890C004 Measurements of Black Carbon in Chicago: Implications for Controls on Diesel Emissions
CR830890C005 Attenuation of Visible Sunlight by Limited Visibility and Cloudiness
CR830890C006 The Energy Balance of Urban Microclimates
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.