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The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been hailed as the most successful environmental treaty ever ( https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/montreal-protocol-triumph-treaty ). Yet, although our main concern about ozone depletion is the subsequent increase in harmful solar UV radiation at the Earth’s surface, no studies to date have demonstrated its effectiveness in that regard. Here we use long-term UV Index (UVI) data derived from high-quality UV spectroradiometer measurements to demonstrate its success in curbing increases in UV radiation. Without this landmark agreement, UVI values would have increased at mid-latitude locations by approximately 20% between the early 1990s and today and would approximately quadruple at mid-latitudes by 2100. In contrast, an analysis of UVI data from multiple clean-air sites shows that maximum daily UVI values have remained essentially constant over the last ~20 years in all seasons, and may even have decreased slightly in the southern hemisphere, especially in Antarctica, where effects of ozone depletion were larger. Reconstructions of the UVI from total ozone data show evidence of increasing UVI levels in the 1980s, but unfortunately, there are no high-quality UV measurements available prior to the early 1990s to confirm these increases with direct observations.
Richard McKenzie; Germar Bernhard; Ben Liley; Patrick Disterhoft; Steve Rhodes; Alkiviadis Bais; Olaf Morgenstern; Paul Newman; Luke Oman; Colette Brogniez; Stana Simic. Success of Montreal Protocol Demonstrated by Comparing High-Quality UV Measurements with “World Avoided” Calculations from Two Chemistry-Climate Models. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 1 -13.
AMA StyleRichard McKenzie, Germar Bernhard, Ben Liley, Patrick Disterhoft, Steve Rhodes, Alkiviadis Bais, Olaf Morgenstern, Paul Newman, Luke Oman, Colette Brogniez, Stana Simic. Success of Montreal Protocol Demonstrated by Comparing High-Quality UV Measurements with “World Avoided” Calculations from Two Chemistry-Climate Models. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):1-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRichard McKenzie; Germar Bernhard; Ben Liley; Patrick Disterhoft; Steve Rhodes; Alkiviadis Bais; Olaf Morgenstern; Paul Newman; Luke Oman; Colette Brogniez; Stana Simic. 2019. "Success of Montreal Protocol Demonstrated by Comparing High-Quality UV Measurements with “World Avoided” Calculations from Two Chemistry-Climate Models." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 1-13.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has affected life at least since the first life forms moved out of the seas and crawled onto the land. Therefore, one might assume that evolution has adapted to natural UV radiation. However, evolution is mostly concerned with the propagation of the genetic code, not with a long, happy, and fulfilling life. Because rickets is bad for a woman giving birth, the beneficial effects of UV-radiation outweigh the adverse effects like aged skin and skin tumors of various grades of malignancy that usually only afflict us at older age. Anthropogenic damage to the stratospheric ozone layer and frighteningly high rates of melanoma skin cancer in the light-skinned descendants of British settlers in Australia piqued interest in the health impacts of UV radiation. A changing cultural perception of the beauty of tanned versus light skin and commercial interests in selling UV-emitting devices such as tanning booths caught public health experts off-guard. Counseling and health communication are extremely difficult when dealing with a “natural” risk factor, especially when this risk factor cannot (and should not) be completely avoided. How much is too much for whom or for which skin type? How even measure “much”? Is it the (cumulative) dose or the dose rate that matters most? Or should we even construct a more complex metric such as the cumulative dose above a certain dose rate threshold? We find there are still many open questions, and we are glad that this special issue offered us the opportunity to present many interesting aspects of this important topic.
Hanns Moshammer; Stana Simic; Daniela Haluza. UV-Radiation: From Physics to Impacts. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 200 .
AMA StyleHanns Moshammer, Stana Simic, Daniela Haluza. UV-Radiation: From Physics to Impacts. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (2):200.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHanns Moshammer; Stana Simic; Daniela Haluza. 2017. "UV-Radiation: From Physics to Impacts." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 2: 200.
Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation covers the spectrum of wavelengths from 100 to 400 nm. The potency and biological activity for a variety of endpoints differ by wavelength. For monitoring and communication purposes, different UV action spectra have been developed. These spectra use different weighting functions. The action spectrum for erythemal dose is the most widely used one. This erythemal dose per time or dose-rate has been further simplified into a “UV index”. Following this example, in our review we use the term “index” or (plural) “indices” in a more general description for all simplified single-value measures for any biologically effective UV dose, e.g., for human non-melanoma skin cancer and for previtamin D production rate. Ongoing discussion about the existence of an increased melanoma risk due to UV-A exposure underscores the uncertainties inherent in current weighting functions. Thus, we performed an online literature search to review the data basis for these indices, to understand their relevance for an individual, and to assess the applicability of the indices for a range of exposure scenarios. Even for natural (solar) UV, the spectral composition varies spatially and temporally. Artificial UV sources and personal protection introduce further variation to the spectral composition. Many biological effects are proposed for UV radiation. Only few endpoints have been studied sufficiently to estimate a reliable index. Weighting functions for chronic effects and most importantly for cancer endpoints have been developed in animal models, and often for proxy endpoints only. Epidemiological studies on biological effects of UV radiation should not only depend on single-value weighted UV dose estimates (indexes) but should strive for a more detailed description of the individual exposure. A better understanding of the adverse and beneficial effects of UV radiation by wavelength would also improve medical counseling and health communication regarding individual health-supportive behavior.
Hanns Moshammer; Stana Simic; Daniela Haluza. UV “Indices”—What Do They Indicate? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 1041 .
AMA StyleHanns Moshammer, Stana Simic, Daniela Haluza. UV “Indices”—What Do They Indicate? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (10):1041.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHanns Moshammer; Stana Simic; Daniela Haluza. 2016. "UV “Indices”—What Do They Indicate?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 10: 1041.
In a recent study, melanoma incidence rates for Austrian inhabitants living at higher altitudes were found to increase by as much as 30% per 100 m altitude. This strong increase cannot simply be explained by the known increase of erythemally-weighted irradiance with altitude, which ranges between 0.5% and 4% per 100 m. We assume that the discrepancy is partially explainable by upwelling UV radiation; e.g., reflected by snow-covered surfaces. Therefore, we present an approach where the human UV exposure is derived by integrating incident radiation over the 3D geometry of a human body, which enables us to take upwelling radiation into account. Calculating upwelling and downwelling radiance with a radiative transfer model for a snow-free valley and for snow-covered mountain terrain (with albedo of 0.6) yields an increase in UV exposure by 10% per 100 m altitude. The results imply that upwelling radiation plays a significant role in the increase of melanoma incidence with altitude.
Michael Schrempf; Daniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Stefan Riechelmann; Kathrin Graw; Gunther Seckmeyer. Is Multidirectional UV Exposure Responsible for Increasing Melanoma Prevalence with Altitude? A Hypothesis Based on Calculations with a 3D-Human Exposure Model. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 961 .
AMA StyleMichael Schrempf, Daniela Haluza, Stana Simic, Stefan Riechelmann, Kathrin Graw, Gunther Seckmeyer. Is Multidirectional UV Exposure Responsible for Increasing Melanoma Prevalence with Altitude? A Hypothesis Based on Calculations with a 3D-Human Exposure Model. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (10):961.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Schrempf; Daniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Stefan Riechelmann; Kathrin Graw; Gunther Seckmeyer. 2016. "Is Multidirectional UV Exposure Responsible for Increasing Melanoma Prevalence with Altitude? A Hypothesis Based on Calculations with a 3D-Human Exposure Model." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 10: 961.
Recreational sunbed use accounts for the main non-solar source of exposure to ultraviolet radiation in fair-skinned Western populations. Indoor tanning is associated with increased risks for acute and chronic dermatological diseases. The current community-based study assessed the one-year prevalence of sunbed use and associated skin health habits among a representative, gender-balanced sample of 1500 Austrian citizens. Overall one-year prevalence of sunbed use was 8.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5%–10.4%), with slightly higher prevalence in females (9.2%, 95% CI 7.3%–11.2%) compared to males (8.6%, 95% CI 6.7%–10.6%). Factors predicting sunbed use were younger age (by trend decreasing with older age), place of living, smoking, skin type (by trend increasing with darker skin), sun exposure, motives to tan, and use of UV-free tanning products. Despite media campaigns on the harmful effects of excessive sunlight and sunbed exposure, we found a high prevalence of self-reported sunbed use among Austrian citizens. From a Public (Skin) Health perspective, the current research extends the understanding of prevailing leisure time skin health habits in adding data on prevalence of sunbed use in the general Austrian population.
Daniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Hanns Moshammer. Sunbed Use Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 231 .
AMA StyleDaniela Haluza, Stana Simic, Hanns Moshammer. Sunbed Use Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (2):231.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Hanns Moshammer. 2016. "Sunbed Use Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 2: 231.
Recreational sun exposure accounts for a large number of acute and chronic dermatological diseases, including skin cancer. This study aimed at estimating the one-year prevalence of sun exposure and skin health-associated knowledge and attitudes among Austrian citizens. The population-based UVSkinRisk survey investigated a representative sample of Austrian adults using a structured questionnaire. In total, 1500 study subjects (median age 33.0 years, 50.5% females) participated in this questionnaire survey. Among study participants, prevalence of sun exposure was 47%, with slightly higher rates in males (48%) compared to females (46%). Younger age, lower professional category, darker skin type, motives to tan, sunbed use, sunburn, and outdoor sport activity increased the odds for prevalent sun exposure. This is the first population-based study evaluating the prevailing sun exposure and recreational habits influencing skin health among Austrian citizens. Despite public media campaigns educating on the harmful effects of sunlight exposure, we found a high prevalence of self-reported sunlight exposure. The results suggest that multifaceted socio-cultural characteristics stimulate recreational sun exposure and tanning habits. Communicating individualized Public (Skin) Health messages might be the key to prevent photo-induced skin health hazards in light-skinned populations. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Daniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Hanns Moshammer. Sun Exposure Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results from the Austrian Population-Based UVSkinRisk Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 141 .
AMA StyleDaniela Haluza, Stana Simic, Hanns Moshammer. Sun Exposure Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results from the Austrian Population-Based UVSkinRisk Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (1):141.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Hanns Moshammer. 2016. "Sun Exposure Prevalence and Associated Skin Health Habits: Results from the Austrian Population-Based UVSkinRisk Survey." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 1: 141.
Lifetime risk for melanoma skin cancer is enlarged by sunlight exposure and reduced by sun protection. Austrian melanoma incidence and mortality rates are constantly rising with higher rates in males. Thus, we aimed at investigating gender-specific recreational sun exposure habits among the Austrian population. We conducted a telephone survey among 1500 adults (50.5% females) representing sociodemographic characteristics of the Austrian population. Using a structured questionnaire, we studied gender-specific sun exposure-related knowledge, motives to tan, and behavior. Overall, using sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and seeking shade were among the three most frequent sun safe measures. Basic skin health knowledge and tanning motives were similar among genders, although females protected themselves more. In general, sunburn occurrence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-1.8), skin type IV (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.5), ex-/non-smoking (OR = 1.4-1.6, 95% CI = 1.0-2.1), low motives to tan (both OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0-1.7), no outdoor sport (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0-1.7), all P < 0.05, as well as the use of sunscreen with lower SPF values (OR = 1.0-3.0, 95% CI = 1.4-4.3) and male gender (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-2.0), both P < 0.001, increased the odds of practicing low sun protection. The results of this investigation suggest considering gender specificity when planning Public (Skin) Health-related educative campaigns and programs, for example, by highlighting the appearance-related benefits of sun light avoidance.
Daniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Jan Höltge; Renate Cervinka; Hanns Moshammer. Gender aspects of recreational sun-protective behavior: results of a representative, population-based survey among Austrian residents. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 2015, 32, 11 -21.
AMA StyleDaniela Haluza, Stana Simic, Jan Höltge, Renate Cervinka, Hanns Moshammer. Gender aspects of recreational sun-protective behavior: results of a representative, population-based survey among Austrian residents. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2015; 32 (1):11-21.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Jan Höltge; Renate Cervinka; Hanns Moshammer. 2015. "Gender aspects of recreational sun-protective behavior: results of a representative, population-based survey among Austrian residents." Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine 32, no. 1: 11-21.
Individual skin health attitudes are influenced by various factors, including public education campaigns, mass media, family, and friends. Evidence-based, educative information materials assist communication and decision-making in doctor-patient interactions. The present study aims at assessing the prevailing use of skin health information material and sources and their impact on skin health knowledge, motives to tan, and sun protection. We conducted a questionnaire survey among a representative sample of Austrian residents. Print media and television were perceived as the two most relevant sources for skin health information, whereas the source physician was ranked third. Picking the information source physician increased participants’ skin health knowledge (p = 0.025) and sun-protective behavior (p < 0.001). The study results highlight the demand for targeted health messages to attain lifestyle changes towards photo-protective habits. Providing resources that encourage pro-active counseling in every-day doctor-patient communication could increase skin health knowledge and sun-protective behavior, and thus, curb the rise in skin cancer incidence rates.
Daniela Haluza; Markus Schwab; Stana Simic; Renate Cervinka; Hanns Moshammer. Perceived Relevance of Educative Information on Public (Skin) Health: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Telephone Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2015, 12, 14260 -14274.
AMA StyleDaniela Haluza, Markus Schwab, Stana Simic, Renate Cervinka, Hanns Moshammer. Perceived Relevance of Educative Information on Public (Skin) Health: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Telephone Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015; 12 (11):14260-14274.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Haluza; Markus Schwab; Stana Simic; Renate Cervinka; Hanns Moshammer. 2015. "Perceived Relevance of Educative Information on Public (Skin) Health: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Telephone Survey." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12, no. 11: 14260-14274.
Umkehr and total ozone measurements have been carried out at Hoher Sonnblick (47.05°N, 12.95°E; 3106 m above sea level) since 1994 with the Brewer MkIV #093 spectrophotometer. These measurements are used to investigate trends in total and vertically resolved ozone in the period 1994–2011 and for establishing an Umkehr climatology. A method to estimate daily thresholds for extreme events in total ozone (TO3) based on skewed log‐Weibull distributions is presented and applied to the record. An analysis of the such defined extreme events reveals a significant decline in the number of low events, whereas the high events increased by about the same amount. However, no significant trend is observed in the magnitude of extreme events. Solar activity and equivalent effective stratospheric chlorine show weak to no correlation with vertically resolved ozone, presumably due to the record's limited extent, while tropopause pressure and quasi‐biennial oscillation show a significant influence. Trend analysis of total and vertically resolved ozone indicates a significant increase in TO3 of 2.0% per decade since 1994, whereas no recovery is observed in the upper stratosphere. While ozone concentrations continue to decrease or stagnate in the upper stratosphere, the loss is overcompensated by large gains in the lowest layers during winter, leading to a significant overall increase in TO3. During events with extremely low TO3, the largest deficiencies are found in the bottommost layers with a marked seasonal component. The topmost layers mainly contribute to TO3 reductions during late winter and fall.
Michael Fitzka; J. Hadzimustafic; S. Simic. Total ozone and Umkehr observations at Hoher Sonnblick 1994-2011: Climatology and extreme events. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 2014, 119, 739 -752.
AMA StyleMichael Fitzka, J. Hadzimustafic, S. Simic. Total ozone and Umkehr observations at Hoher Sonnblick 1994-2011: Climatology and extreme events. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. 2014; 119 (2):739-752.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Fitzka; J. Hadzimustafic; S. Simic. 2014. "Total ozone and Umkehr observations at Hoher Sonnblick 1994-2011: Climatology and extreme events." Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 119, no. 2: 739-752.
Connectedness to nature (CN) influences motivation to have contact with outdoor natural environments. Spending leisure time in natural environments is beneficial for human health and well-being. Besides these positive effects, health risks of open-air activities are mainly related to unprotected sun light exposure-associated acute and chronic skin hazards. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional, representative telephone survey among Austrian residents to study the association of perceived CN level with sun-exposure knowledge, tanning habits, and sun protective behaviour. In total, 1,500 study subjects (50.5% females) participated in this questionnaire survey. Although knowledge about tanning and motives to tan were similar among genders, females performed more photoprotective measures and were more connected to nature (all p < 0.001) compared to males. Older age and outdoor sport were significant gender-independent predictor variables influencing perceived CN level. Additionally, level of education was relevant in male CN, whereas non-smoking and higher knowledge were predictive of female CN. This survey provides so far unreported empirical data on the relationship between nature connectedness and skin health-relevant recreational habits of Austrian residents. The findings suggest to integrate hitherto neglected gender-specific Public (Skin) Health promotion when counselling on the manifold health advantages of outdoor activities.
Daniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Jan Höltge; Renate Cervinka; Hanns Moshammer. Connectedness to Nature and Public (Skin) Health Perspectives: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2014, 11, 1176 -1191.
AMA StyleDaniela Haluza, Stana Simic, Jan Höltge, Renate Cervinka, Hanns Moshammer. Connectedness to Nature and Public (Skin) Health Perspectives: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2014; 11 (1):1176-1191.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Jan Höltge; Renate Cervinka; Hanns Moshammer. 2014. "Connectedness to Nature and Public (Skin) Health Perspectives: Results of a Representative, Population-Based Survey among Austrian Residents." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 11, no. 1: 1176-1191.
Annual solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is mostly determined by latitude and altitude. Over the last decades, increasing UVR ground levels have been observed. Exposure to UVR is associated with a life-time risk to develop melanoma, a malign skin cancer. Thus, we hypothesized that melanoma incidence in Austria is associated with altitude of place of living and time of diagnosis. We investigated this hypothesis in an ecological study by district and year for Austrian melanoma incidence (1990–2010) and mortality (1970–2011) data. As expected, incidence rates increased with altitude (about 2% per 10 m) and year (about 2%). Additionally, melanoma incidence rates were about 50% higher in urban than in rural districts. In contrast, mortality rates decreased with altitude (for males: 0.4% per 10 m, for women: 0.7% per 10 m, respectively). The observed discrepancy between incidence and mortality data could partly be explained by melanoma diagnosis at earlier tumor stage in districts with higher altitude. Possible reasons for this finding include higher awareness of patients, better diagnostic performance of medical professionals working at higher altitudes, or slower tumor growth due to protective effects of sun light-associated vitamin D synthesis.
Daniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Hanns Moshammer. Temporal and Spatial Melanoma Trends in Austria: An Ecological Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2014, 11, 734 -748.
AMA StyleDaniela Haluza, Stana Simic, Hanns Moshammer. Temporal and Spatial Melanoma Trends in Austria: An Ecological Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2014; 11 (1):734-748.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Haluza; Stana Simic; Hanns Moshammer. 2014. "Temporal and Spatial Melanoma Trends in Austria: An Ecological Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 11, no. 1: 734-748.
Series of daily erythemal UV-dose are reconstructed for the last 30 years of the 20th century in Austria and its changes during that period with respect to observed changes in total ozone and cloud cover discussed. The reconstruction method is based on the relationship between long-term global radiation and sunshine duration records and existing measurements of erythemal UV at several locations. Through comparison with different data sources efforts are made to assure high data quality for all input parameters. The results for reconstructed daily sums show high correlations (0.95-0.99) with observed values compared on a yearly and seasonal basis throughout the overlapping period 1998-2010. Assessed from the reconstructed data, long-term variability of erythemal UV daily dose for two time periods has been quantified (1977-1995, 1996-2010). Special emphasis is put on the investigation of changes in UV due to observed trends in clouds and sunshine duration in the Austrian Alpine regions during the last decades. The earlier period shows significant changes between +4.1 %/dec and +6.9 %/dec at six stations in Austria, mainly due to significant decreases in total ozone column of up to −3.7 %/dec. Positive significant trends of around +2%/dec are found in cloud and aerosol modification factors at most of stations along with observed positive trends in sunshine duration, being statistically significant at eastern and southern stations. In spite of ozone layer recovery since the mid 1990s, the latter period does not reveal any statistically significant changes in erythemal UV irradiation.
J. Hadzimustafic; S. Simic; Michael Fitzka. UV-radiation in the past: Reconstruction and long-term changes in Austria. RADIATION PROCESSES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN (IRS2012): Proceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS) 2013, 868 -871.
AMA StyleJ. Hadzimustafic, S. Simic, Michael Fitzka. UV-radiation in the past: Reconstruction and long-term changes in Austria. RADIATION PROCESSES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN (IRS2012): Proceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS). 2013; ():868-871.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. Hadzimustafic; S. Simic; Michael Fitzka. 2013. "UV-radiation in the past: Reconstruction and long-term changes in Austria." RADIATION PROCESSES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN (IRS2012): Proceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS) , no. : 868-871.
Continuous measurements of spectral UV according to the quality requirements of NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change) as well as total ozone measurements are performed at Hoher Sonnblick since 1994. The uninterrupted dataset is among the longest in Europe, and unique because of the clean, undisturbed air at the high-altitude mountain observatory. Based on these data-series, long-term trends in surface UV levels are investigated for the time period 1994-2011, accounting for several wavelengths, sub-periods, solar zenith angles and different levels of cloudiness, using nonparametric trend tests and regression models, further expanding and extending an existing analysis with the newest data sets. Trends that are identified are tested for significance at various levels and are examined in detail to identify changes due to trends in e.g. ozone, albedo, sunshine duration and cloudiness, which could, in the course of a changing global climate, significantly contribute to changing surface UV levels and consequently potential risks to the biosphere. Throughout the year, significant upward trends are found at wavelengths of 315 nm and longer, ranging from about +10 %/dec up to +14 %/dec for all-sky conditions, depending on solar zenith angle. Trend estimates at wavelengths that are heavily affected by ozone absorption are smaller and less significant. Seasonally, the largest trends are found during winter and spring. Total ozone has significantly increased by about +2 %/dec since 1997 and therefore cannot explain these significant increases. They are rather attributed to decreases in total cloud cover and aerosol optical depth and increased sunshine duration over the investigated period.
Michael Fitzka; S. Simic; J. Hadzimustafic. Long-term trends in spectral surface UV irradiance at Hoher Sonnblick (3106 m a.s.l.). RADIATION PROCESSES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN (IRS2012): Proceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS) 2013, 776 -779.
AMA StyleMichael Fitzka, S. Simic, J. Hadzimustafic. Long-term trends in spectral surface UV irradiance at Hoher Sonnblick (3106 m a.s.l.). RADIATION PROCESSES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN (IRS2012): Proceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS). 2013; ():776-779.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Fitzka; S. Simic; J. Hadzimustafic. 2013. "Long-term trends in spectral surface UV irradiance at Hoher Sonnblick (3106 m a.s.l.)." RADIATION PROCESSES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN (IRS2012): Proceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS) , no. : 776-779.
High-quality long-term records of spectral UV irradiance from the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change-affiliated Bentham spectroradiometer at the high-mountain site Hoher Sonnblick (47.05° N, 12.95° E, 3,106 m above sea level) from the period 1997–2011 have been investigated for the existence of trends. Throughout the year, significant upward trends are found at wavelengths of 315 nm and longer. The magnitudes at 315 nm range from +9.3 ± 4.5 %/dec at 45° solar zenith angle (SZA) to +14.2 ± 3.7 %/dec at SZA 65° for all-sky conditions. The trend estimates at 305 nm are considerably smaller and less significant, yielding between +5.1 ± 6.5 and +7.9 ± 7.3 %/dec, depending on SZA. Seasonally, the largest trends are found during winter and spring. Total ozone has significantly increased by year-round +1.9 ± 1.3 %/dec since 1997 and therefore cannot explain these significant increases. They are rather attributed to decreases in total cloud cover and aerosol optical depth.
M. Fitzka; Stana Simic; J. Hadzimustafic. Trends in spectral UV radiation from long-term measurements at Hoher Sonnblick, Austria. Theoretical and Applied Climatology 2012, 110, 585 -593.
AMA StyleM. Fitzka, Stana Simic, J. Hadzimustafic. Trends in spectral UV radiation from long-term measurements at Hoher Sonnblick, Austria. Theoretical and Applied Climatology. 2012; 110 (4):585-593.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Fitzka; Stana Simic; J. Hadzimustafic. 2012. "Trends in spectral UV radiation from long-term measurements at Hoher Sonnblick, Austria." Theoretical and Applied Climatology 110, no. 4: 585-593.
The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the spatial resolution of a digital elevation map (DEM) on the three-dimensional (3-D) radiative transfer performance for both spectral ultraviolet (UV) irradiance and actinic flux at 305 nm. Model simulations were performed for clear sky conditions for three case studies: the first and second one using three sites in the Innsbruck area and the third one using three sites at the Sonnblick observatory and surrounding area. It was found that the DEM resolution may change the altitude at some locations by up to 500 m, resulting in changes in the sky obscured by the horizon of up to 15%. The geographical distribution of UV irradiance and actinic flux shows that with larger pixel size, uncertainties in UV irradiance and actinic flux determination of up to 100% are possible. These large changes in incident irradiance and actinic flux with changing pixel size are strongly connected to shading effects. The effect of the DEM pixel size on irradiance and actinic flux was studied at the six locations, and it was found that significant increases in irradiance and actinic flux with increasing DEM pixel size occurred at one valley location at high solar zenith angles in the Innsbruck area as well as for one steep valley location in the Sonnblick area. This increase in irradiance and actinic flux with increasing DEM resolution is most likely to be connected to shading effects affecting the reflections from the surroundings.
Philipp Weihs; Jochen Ernst Wagner; S. F. Schreier; H. E. Rieder; F. Angelini; M. Blumthaler; Michael Fitzka; G. P. Gobbi; Richard Kift; A. Kreuter; S. Simic; A. R. Webb. The influence of the spatial resolution of topographic input data on the accuracy of 3-D UV actinic flux and irradiance calculations. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 2012, 12, 2297 -2312.
AMA StylePhilipp Weihs, Jochen Ernst Wagner, S. F. Schreier, H. E. Rieder, F. Angelini, M. Blumthaler, Michael Fitzka, G. P. Gobbi, Richard Kift, A. Kreuter, S. Simic, A. R. Webb. The influence of the spatial resolution of topographic input data on the accuracy of 3-D UV actinic flux and irradiance calculations. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. 2012; 12 (5):2297-2312.
Chicago/Turabian StylePhilipp Weihs; Jochen Ernst Wagner; S. F. Schreier; H. E. Rieder; F. Angelini; M. Blumthaler; Michael Fitzka; G. P. Gobbi; Richard Kift; A. Kreuter; S. Simic; A. R. Webb. 2012. "The influence of the spatial resolution of topographic input data on the accuracy of 3-D UV actinic flux and irradiance calculations." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 12, no. 5: 2297-2312.
During three field campaigns spectral actinic flux was measured from 290–500 nm under clear sky conditions in Alpine terrain and the associated O3- and NO2-photolysis frequencies were calculated and the measurement products were then compared with 1-D- and 3-D-model calculations. To do this 3-D-radiative transfer model was adapted for actinic flux calculations in mountainous terrain and the maps of the actinic flux field at the surface, calculated with the 3-D-radiative transfer model, are given. The differences between the 3-D- and 1-D-model results for selected days during the campaigns are shown, together with the ratios of the modeled actinic flux values to the measurements. In many cases the 1-D-model overestimates actinic flux by more than the measurement uncertainty of 10%. The results of using a 3-D-model generally show significantly lower values, and can underestimate the actinic flux by up to 30%. This case study attempts to quantify the impact of snow cover in combination with topography on spectral actinic flux. The impact of snow cover on the actinic flux was ~ 25% in narrow snow covered valleys, but for snow free areas there were no significant changes due snow cover in the surrounding area and it is found that the effect snow-cover at distances over 5 km from the point of interest was below 5%. Overall the 3-D-model can calculate actinic flux to the same accuracy as the 1-D-model for single points, but gives a much more realistic view of the surface actinic flux field in mountains as topography and obstruction of the horizon are taken into account.
Jochen Ernst Wagner; F. Angelini; M. Blumthaler; Michael Fitzka; G.P. Gobbi; Richard Kift; A. Kreuter; Harald Rieder; Stana Simic; A. Webb; Philipp Weihs. Investigation of the 3-D actinic flux field in mountainous terrain. Atmospheric Research 2011, 102, 300 -310.
AMA StyleJochen Ernst Wagner, F. Angelini, M. Blumthaler, Michael Fitzka, G.P. Gobbi, Richard Kift, A. Kreuter, Harald Rieder, Stana Simic, A. Webb, Philipp Weihs. Investigation of the 3-D actinic flux field in mountainous terrain. Atmospheric Research. 2011; 102 (3):300-310.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJochen Ernst Wagner; F. Angelini; M. Blumthaler; Michael Fitzka; G.P. Gobbi; Richard Kift; A. Kreuter; Harald Rieder; Stana Simic; A. Webb; Philipp Weihs. 2011. "Investigation of the 3-D actinic flux field in mountainous terrain." Atmospheric Research 102, no. 3: 300-310.
S. Simic; Michael Fitzka; A. Schmalwieser; Philipp Weihs; J. Hadzimustafic. Factors affecting UV irradiance at selected wavelengths at Hoher Sonnblick. Atmospheric Research 2011, 101, 869 -878.
AMA StyleS. Simic, Michael Fitzka, A. Schmalwieser, Philipp Weihs, J. Hadzimustafic. Factors affecting UV irradiance at selected wavelengths at Hoher Sonnblick. Atmospheric Research. 2011; 101 (4):869-878.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Simic; Michael Fitzka; A. Schmalwieser; Philipp Weihs; J. Hadzimustafic. 2011. "Factors affecting UV irradiance at selected wavelengths at Hoher Sonnblick." Atmospheric Research 101, no. 4: 869-878.
This work investigates the occurrence frequency of days with high erythemal UV doses at three stations in Switzerland and Austria (Davos, Hoher Sonnblick and Vienna) for the time period 1974–2003. While several earlier studies have reported on increases in erythemal UV dose up to 10% during the last decades, this study focuses on days with high erythemal UV dose, which is defined as a daily dose at least 15% higher than for 1950s clear-sky conditions (which represent preindustrial conditions with respect to anthropogenic chlorine). Furthermore, the influence of low column ozone, clear-sky/partly cloudy conditions and surface albedo on UV irradiance has been analyzed on annual and seasonal basis. The results of this study show that in the Central Alpine Region the number of days with high UV dose increased strongly in the early 1990s. A large fraction of all days with high UV dose occurring in the period 1974–2003 was found especially during the years 1994–2003, namely 40% at Davos, 54% at Hoher Sonnblick and 65% at Vienna. The importance of total ozone, clear-sky/partly cloudy conditions and surface albedo (e.g. in dependence of snow cover) varies strongly among the seasons. However, overall the interplay of low total ozone and clear-sky/partly cloudy conditions led to the largest fraction of days showing high erythemal UV dose. Furthermore, an analysis of the synoptic weather situation showed that days with high erythemal UV dose, low total ozone and high relative sunshine duration occur at all three stations more frequently during situations with low pressure gradients or southerly advection.
H.E. Rieder; J. Staehelin; Philipp Weihs; Laurent Vuilleumier; J.A. Maeder; F. Holawe; M. Blumthaler; Anders V. Lindfors; Thomas Peter; Stana Simic; Peter Spichtinger; Jochen Ernst Wagner; D. Walker; M. Ribatet. Relationship between high daily erythemal UV doses, total ozone, surface albedo and cloudiness: An analysis of 30years of data from Switzerland and Austria. Atmospheric Research 2010, 98, 9 -20.
AMA StyleH.E. Rieder, J. Staehelin, Philipp Weihs, Laurent Vuilleumier, J.A. Maeder, F. Holawe, M. Blumthaler, Anders V. Lindfors, Thomas Peter, Stana Simic, Peter Spichtinger, Jochen Ernst Wagner, D. Walker, M. Ribatet. Relationship between high daily erythemal UV doses, total ozone, surface albedo and cloudiness: An analysis of 30years of data from Switzerland and Austria. Atmospheric Research. 2010; 98 (1):9-20.
Chicago/Turabian StyleH.E. Rieder; J. Staehelin; Philipp Weihs; Laurent Vuilleumier; J.A. Maeder; F. Holawe; M. Blumthaler; Anders V. Lindfors; Thomas Peter; Stana Simic; Peter Spichtinger; Jochen Ernst Wagner; D. Walker; M. Ribatet. 2010. "Relationship between high daily erythemal UV doses, total ozone, surface albedo and cloudiness: An analysis of 30years of data from Switzerland and Austria." Atmospheric Research 98, no. 1: 9-20.
Jochen Ernst Wagner; Federico Angelini; Antti Arola; Mario Blumthaler; Michael Fitzka; Gian Paolo Gobbi; Richard Kift; Axel Kreuter; Harald E. Rieder; Stana Simic; Ann Webb; Philipp Weihs. Comparison of surface UV irradiance in mountainous regions derived from satellite observations and model calculations with ground-based measurements. Meteorologische Zeitschrift 2010, 19, 481 -490.
AMA StyleJochen Ernst Wagner, Federico Angelini, Antti Arola, Mario Blumthaler, Michael Fitzka, Gian Paolo Gobbi, Richard Kift, Axel Kreuter, Harald E. Rieder, Stana Simic, Ann Webb, Philipp Weihs. Comparison of surface UV irradiance in mountainous regions derived from satellite observations and model calculations with ground-based measurements. Meteorologische Zeitschrift. 2010; 19 (5):481-490.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJochen Ernst Wagner; Federico Angelini; Antti Arola; Mario Blumthaler; Michael Fitzka; Gian Paolo Gobbi; Richard Kift; Axel Kreuter; Harald E. Rieder; Stana Simic; Ann Webb; Philipp Weihs. 2010. "Comparison of surface UV irradiance in mountainous regions derived from satellite observations and model calculations with ground-based measurements." Meteorologische Zeitschrift 19, no. 5: 481-490.
Several validation studies of surface UV irradiance based on the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) satellite data have shown a high correlation with ground-based measurements but a positive bias in many locations. The main part of the bias can be attributed to the boundary layer aerosol absorption that is not accounted for in the current satellite UV algorithms. To correct for this shortfall, a post-correction procedure was applied, based on global climatological fields of aerosol absorption optical depth. These fields were obtained by using global aerosol optical depth and aerosol single scattering albedo data assembled by combining global aerosol model data and ground-based aerosol measurements from AERONET. The resulting improvements in the satellite-based surface UV irradiance were evaluated by comparing satellite and ground-based spectral irradiances at various European UV monitoring sites. The results generally showed a significantly reduced bias by 5-20%, a lower variability, and an unchanged, high correlation coefficient. Citation: Arola, A., et al. (2009), A new approach to correct for absorbing aerosols in OMI UV, Geophys. Res. Lett., 36, L22805, doi:10.1029/2009GL041137
A. Arola; Stelios Kazadzis; Anders V. Lindfors; Nickolay Krotkov; Jukka Kujanpää; Johanna Tamminen; A. Bais; Alcide di Sarra; J. M. Villaplana; C. Brogniez; Anna Maria Siani; M. Janouch; Philipp Weihs; A. Webb; T. Koskela; N. Kouremeti; Daniela Meloni; V. Buchard; F. Auriol; Iolanda Ialongo; M. Staneck; Stana Simic; Andrew Smedley; S. Kinne. A new approach to correct for absorbing aerosols in OMI UV. Geophysical Research Letters 2009, 36, 1 .
AMA StyleA. Arola, Stelios Kazadzis, Anders V. Lindfors, Nickolay Krotkov, Jukka Kujanpää, Johanna Tamminen, A. Bais, Alcide di Sarra, J. M. Villaplana, C. Brogniez, Anna Maria Siani, M. Janouch, Philipp Weihs, A. Webb, T. Koskela, N. Kouremeti, Daniela Meloni, V. Buchard, F. Auriol, Iolanda Ialongo, M. Staneck, Stana Simic, Andrew Smedley, S. Kinne. A new approach to correct for absorbing aerosols in OMI UV. Geophysical Research Letters. 2009; 36 (22):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Arola; Stelios Kazadzis; Anders V. Lindfors; Nickolay Krotkov; Jukka Kujanpää; Johanna Tamminen; A. Bais; Alcide di Sarra; J. M. Villaplana; C. Brogniez; Anna Maria Siani; M. Janouch; Philipp Weihs; A. Webb; T. Koskela; N. Kouremeti; Daniela Meloni; V. Buchard; F. Auriol; Iolanda Ialongo; M. Staneck; Stana Simic; Andrew Smedley; S. Kinne. 2009. "A new approach to correct for absorbing aerosols in OMI UV." Geophysical Research Letters 36, no. 22: 1.