Incident and Reflected Solar Radiation in a Tropical Environment.
Abstract
Field measurements were made of incident and reflected radiation on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (lat. 17 degrees 45 min. N). Climatic zones of St. Croix range from desert to tropical rain forest. Field measurements were supplemented by laboratory data and by aerial photography. Spectral reflectance measurements were made of the major types of rocks, soils and vegetation. The main rock types are readily identified by their reflectance properties, whereas the soils are less distinctive. Trees and other plants are difficult to identify by optical properties alone. Enhanced irradiation is common at certain solar angles from orographically controlled cumulus streets and from the sea surface. Radiation under a tropical forest canopy assumes the spectral distribution of chlorophyll. Visible wavelengths are strongly attenuated and near-infrared radiation may be dominant. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0743931
Entities
People
- Jean D. Larsen
- John B. Adams
- Richard M. Bond