Effects of the El Chichon volcanic cloud on solar radiation received at Fairbanks, Alaska

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0477(1984)065<0216:EOTECV>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:6629840

Wendler, G

Detailed insolation measurements have been carried out in Fairbanks for the last four years. Beginning on 15 November 1982, these measurements showed substantial changes, believed to be due to the dust cloud of El Chichon. The volcano, situated in Mexico, erupted most intensely on 4 April 1982, putting a large amount of material into the atmosphere. The long traveling time to the North is in line with results found by Rao and Bradley (1983). Compared to clear-day data for previous years, clear days for the time period 15 November 1982-31 May 1983 showed a decrease in the direct beam of 24.8% an increase in the ratio of diffuse to global radiation of 76% and a decrease in the global radiation of about 5%. A decrease in the direct beam, a substantial increase in the diffuse radiation, and a small decrease in the global radiation are typical for increased turbidity of the atmosphere, but the volcanic cloud caused changes greater than those due to ''normal'' turbidity changes.

• Research Organization: Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
• DOE Contract Number: FG06-77ET20181
• OSTI ID: 6629840
• Journal Information: Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 65:3; ISSN BAMIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140100* -- Solar Energy-- Resources &amp; Availability
500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring &amp; Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALASKA
CLOUDS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEDERAL REGION X
FLUIDS
GASES
INSOLATION
LATIN AMERICA
MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
RADIATIONS
SOLAR RADIATION
STELLAR RADIATION
USA
VOLCANIC GASES
VOLCANOES