ESTIMATING THE TOPOGRAPHIC VARIATIONS OF SHORT WAVE RADIATION INCOME: THE EXAMPLE OF BARBADOS
Abstract
The surface pattern of short wave radiation can be estimated from the observations of a single, representative site provided it is possible to distinguish between direct and sky-diffuse radiation totals. The patterns of direct radiation over an area can then be mapped from the observations normally taken on a horizontal surface, and a knowledge of (1) extra terrestrial radiation, (2) the latitude, and (3) the surface geometry of the given area. Sky-diffuse radiation can be mapped by reference to the observations normally taken and the angles of slope over the area. Application of these methods to Barbados with the aid of a computer mapping program shows how varied the seasonal patterns of short-wave radiation income can in fact be in a tropical region of moderately diverse relief, despite the general similarity of recordings on a horizontal surface. The method also brings out the importance of the first three hours of the day to the heating of east facing slopes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0696697
Entities
People
- Atsumu Ohmura
- B. J. Garnier
Organizations
- McGill University