Effective parameterizations of biologically active UV radiation absorption by atmospheric ozone

Abstract

A method for parameterization of the UV radiation absorption by atmospheric ozone is described. Parameterizations are suggested for computer simulation of tropospheric fluxes of UV–A and UV–B radiations and modified fluxes of biologically active UV radiation in medical applications (for the analysis of vitamin D formation and risk of erythema, cancer, and cataract). The parameterizations allow the solution of the UV radiation transfer equations at a single effective spectral point for obtaining integral fluxes in the 280–400 nm range (taking into account the spectral factors characterizing biological effects). When using the parameterizations, the characteristic errors in the calculations of the fluxes in a clear and cloudy troposphere are ~3–5%. The use of these parameterizations is relevant for fast radiation models, for example, on-line simulation of UV radiation fluxes for medical purposes. This method can be used to improve the accuracy of radiation codes in general atmospheric circulation models, radiation-chemical models, etc.