Worldwide evaluation of ozone radiative forcing in the UV-B range between 1979 and 2014

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a key role in different planetary mechanisms, thus necessitating a worldwide analysis of this solar spectrum interval. This study offers a worldwide and long-term analysis of ozone radiative forcing (ORF) in the UV-B range between 1979 and 2014. The method uses monthly total ozone column (TOC) values obtained from the ERA-Interim reanalysis data collection and radiative transfer simulations. A global mean ORF of 0.011 Wm−2 is obtained, with marked differences between mid-latitude and tropical areas. The mid-latitude belts in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres exhibit the following statistically significant ORF trends between 1982 and 2014 with respect to pre-1980 values: 0.007 Wm−2 per decade in the 60–45°S belt and around 0.004 Wm−2 per decade in the 45–30°S and 45–60°N belts. The increase observed in the net UV-B radiation levels at the troposphere might have relevant photochemical effects that impact climate change.