Estimating atmospheric ozone for solar radiation models

Absorption of incoming solar radiation by atmospheric ozone, while only a small part of total depletion of the solar beam, can contribute up to 20 per cent or more to the absorption taking place. Good methods exist to estimate absorption by ozone, but these methods require values for ozone amounts present in the beam path. An empirical, mathematical model has been developed that shows close agreement with observed annual ozone contents over North America. Only latitude, longitude, and day of the year are needed as inputs to obtain ozone-depth estimates from the model. The model can be adjusted to provide similar accuracy for most of the world. Seasonal variations are also built into the model.