The incidence of erythemal and UV solar irradiance over Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

Measurements are presented of UV solar irradiances at 305, 320, 340 and 380 nm and erythemal irradiance on clear-sky days in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. These values are compared with data calculated from a radiative atmospheric transfer model. Two quantities of major importance in this model are the ozone and aerosol atmospheric contents. Different values are assigned to them in order to estimate their relative importance in the solar UV irradiance reaching this geographical location. Complementary data on ozone profiles, obtained with the DIAL technique at the same location, are also presented. These spectral and erythemal irradiances are of importance in relation to the biological effects induced in humans by solar UV radiation.