Kokonaissäteily

Kokonaissäteily, often translated as total radiation or global radiation, refers to the total amount of solar radiation reaching a horizontal surface. This includes both direct solar radiation, which travels in a straight line from the sun to the surface, and diffuse radiation, which is scattered by the atmosphere, clouds, and other particles. Understanding kokonaissäteily is crucial for various fields, including meteorology, climatology, agriculture, and solar energy.

The intensity of kokonaissäteily varies significantly depending on several factors. The time of day, the season, the latitude, and atmospheric conditions such as cloud cover and aerosol concentration all play a role. For example, kokonaissäteily is highest at noon on a clear summer day at the equator and lowest at midnight during winter at high latitudes.

In meteorology, kokonaissäteily is a key component of the Earth's energy budget. It drives atmospheric circulation, influences weather patterns, and is a primary factor in surface temperature. In agriculture, it is essential for plant photosynthesis and growth, influencing crop yields. For solar energy applications, kokonaissäteily data is vital for designing and optimizing solar power systems, determining their efficiency and potential energy output.

Measurements of kokonaissäteily are typically taken using pyranometers, which are instruments designed to measure the broadband solar irradiance on a planar surface. These measurements are collected by meteorological stations worldwide and are often used to create radiation maps and climate models. The concept of kokonaissäteily provides a comprehensive measure of the solar energy available at the Earth's surface.