Abstract:
A study was undertaken to examine the effect of a short-term reduction in the solar intensity on the characteristics of the atmospheric environment. Meteorological parameters, solar radiation variations, major pollutant levels and aerosol characteristics were measured on the terrace of the Modular Laboratories at BARC, Trombay, on Solar Eclipse day (24th October, 1995) and on adjacent days. There was on obvious reduction in global solar radiation with no change in the proportion of the UV component. SODAR back-scattering data indicated a suppressed level of atmospheric turbulence. A 2-4 fold increase in the aerosol number and mass concentrations was observed during the eclipse.
