Open AccessValidation of the Austrian forecast model for solar, biologically effective UV radiation‐UV index for Vienna
Author(s) -
Schmalwieser Alois W.,
Schauberger Günther
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2000jd900135
Subject(s) - index (typography) , irradiance , ultraviolet radiation , environmental science , meteorology , radiation , ultraviolet , sun protection , model validation , sunlight , atmospheric sciences , computer science , physics , optics , medicine , chemistry , data science , environmental health , world wide web , radiochemistry
Since October 1995, a daily forecast of the UV index, as the irradiance of the biologically effective ultraviolet radiation, for the next day is published for Austria, Europe, and world wide. The Austrian forecast model as well as the input parameters are described. By connecting the UV index with the sensitivity of the photobiological skin types, a recommendation is given to select an appropriate sun protection factor of a sunscreen to avoid overexposure of the skin. The validation of the Austrian forecast model is done by measurements of the biologically effective ultraviolet radiation collected between July 1996 and July 1998 at Vienna (48°N, 16°E), Austria. The forecast quality is evaluated by comparing the Austrian model with two statistical models used in Canada and the Netherlands. By using the underestimation of the UV index as criteria in the sense of radiation protection, the Austrian model shows a 12% underestimation over the whole year.