Satellite ozone and UV measurements over Cyprus

G. Charalampous; K. Fragkos; A. Nisantzi; I. Fountoulakis; K. Papachristopoulou; D. Hadjimitsis; S. Kazadzis

doi:10.1117/12.2683103

21 September 2023 Satellite ozone and UV measurements over Cyprus

G. Charalampous, K. Fragkos, A. Nisantzi, I. Fountoulakis, K. Papachristopoulou, D. Hadjimitsis, S. Kazadzis

Proceedings Volume 12786, Ninth International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2023); 1278610 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2683103
Event: Ninth International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2023), 2023, Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a small but significant part of solar radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. Overexposure to UV radiation can have harmful effects on human health and ecosystems, including sunburn, skin cancer, eye damage, and immune system weakening. The factors that affect UV levels at the surface include solar elevation angle, total ozone amount, optical properties of aerosols, clouds, altitude, and surface albedo. Ozone is an efficient absorber of UV radiation, and its depletion leads to increased ground-level UV radiation. The recovery of the ozone layer in response to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances is also linked to climate change, which can also affect future UV levels. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously monitor UV radiation levels. The Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is a tool that increases public awareness of the need for sun protection and lowers the risk of skin cancer. Cyprus, as the European country with the highest sunshine duration, is an ideal location for studying UVI levels and ozone column amounts. In this study, we present a climatology of ozone and UVI over the four major cities in Cyprus (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos) based on satellite overpass measurements from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument for the period 2004–2022. We also investigate the sensitivity of UV radiation to ozone changes using the radiation amplification factor and also to aerosol and clouds. This study provides valuable insights into the climatology of ozone and UVI in Cyprus and the sensitivity of UV radiation to ozone changes, which can aid in the development of effective public health policies and sun protection measures.

Citation Download Citation

G. Charalampous, K. Fragkos, A. Nisantzi, I. Fountoulakis, K. Papachristopoulou, D. Hadjimitsis, and S. Kazadzis "Satellite ozone and UV measurements over Cyprus", Proc. SPIE 12786, Ninth International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2023), 1278610 (21 September 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2683103

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
14 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Ultraviolet radiation

Ozone

Clouds

Extreme ultraviolet

Radiation injury

Aerosols

Satellites

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years