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Variability of Solar Radiation under Cloud-Free Skies in China: The Role of AerosolsIn this study, we analyzed long-term surface global and diffuse solar radiation, aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA), and relative humidity (RH) from China. Our analysis reveals that much of China experienced significant decreases in global solar radiation (GSR) and increases in diffuse solar radiation under cloud-free skies between the 1960s and 1980s. With RH and aerosol SSA being rather constant during that time period, we suggest that the increasing aerosol loading from emission of pollutants is responsible for the observed reduced GSR and increased diffuse radiation in cloud-free skies. Although pollutant emissions continue to increase after the 1980s, the increment of aerosol SSA since 1980s can partly explain the transition of GSR from a decreasing trend to no apparent trend around that time. Preliminary analysis is also provided on the potential role of RH in affecting the global and diffuse solar radiation reaching the earth surface.
Document ID
20090015901
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Qian, Yun
(Pacific Northwest National Lab. Richland, WA, United States)
Wang, Weiguo
(Pacific Northwest National Lab. Richland, WA, United States)
Leung, L. ruby
(Pacific Northwest National Lab. Richland, WA, United States)
Kaiser, Dale P.
(Oak Ridge National Lab. TN, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
June 21, 2007
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Volume: 34
Subject Category
Environment Pollution
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNG04GC58G
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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