Radiation Measurements at Scott Base

Abstract

Measurements of long-wave and short-wave radiation of solar and terrestrial origin at Scott Base during the IGY are described. The errors inherent in the observations are discussed. Empirical equations are obtained relating the observed short-wave radiation to the daily hours of sunshine and to the mean cloudiness. These relations differ from the corresponding ones for lower latitudes. Similarly, relations have been derived for the long-wave radiation in terms of cloud cover and the surface and maximum tropospheric air temperatures. The measurements of short-wave radiation have been compared with theoretical estimates based on radiosonde data and are shown to agree when very small values of the turbidity coefficient are assumed. The albedo of the surface over which the net flux of long-wave and short-wave radiation was measured has been studied. Its low value in summer, when much bare rock is exposed, has been shown to account for the yearly net income of about 18,000 cal/cm² that was recorded, in contrast to the substantial yearly net outgoing radiation recorded over a permanent snow surface at other stations in similar latitudes.