Sensitivity of UV Erythemally Effective Irradiance and Daily Dose to Spatial Variability in Total Ozone

Abstract

The total ozone column (TOC) is the most significant quantity for estimating the erythemally effective UV radiation under clear sky conditions. Uncertainties in TOC measurements and a limited spatial and temporal resolution therefore influence the quality of calculated erythemally effective radiation. The UV Index, the internationally accepted measure of the erythemally effective radiation, is used in public and the media to inform about current levels of UV radiation and builds the base for sun protection. Thus, the accuracy of the promoted values is essential. While in a preceding study we estimated the influence of measurement uncertainties, in this study we analyze the influence of spatial gaps and variability of TOC to the erythemally effective irradiance at noon and to the daily dose. The results allow defining the necessary spatial resolution of TOC values when a certain accuracy for the UV Index or for the purpose of sun protection is required. In case of the erythemally effective irradiance this study reveals that spatial gaps in TOC or the assumption of spatial invariability causes similar uncertainties independent of the geographic location. At higher latitudes the higher spatial variability of TOC counteracts the lower level of irradiance. For the daily dose gaps in TOC have an even higher impact at higher latitudes.