Downward diffuse radiation

The component of total radiation (or solar energy) received at the Earth’s surface that has been reflected downwards from clouds, gases, aerosols, etc.

In detail

The total radiation (or solar energy) received at the Earth’s surface consist of two components: (1) direct radiation and (2) diffuse radiation. Diffuse radiation refers to that solar radiation that has entered the atmosphere through reflecting from clouds, gases, aerosols etc. (as opposed to that which entered the atmosphere directly).

• Downward diffuse radiation is one of the UKCP09 Weather Generator variables, measured in watts per square metre (W/m2).

• An overview of the outputs from the UKCP09 Weather Generator is provided in Section 1.4 of the Climate change projections report.

• Further details are available in Section 1.3 and Annex 2 of the Weather Generator report.

 

     

• Last updated: Sunday, 11 March 2012