ESTIMATION OF NET AND SOLAR RADIATION

Relationships between net radiation (QN) and global solar radiation (QS) and between the ratios of QS and solar radiation at the top of the atmosphere (QS/QA) and duration of bright sunshine and daylength (n/N) were determined by regression analysis at Guelph, Ontario, Canada. The data used were recorded at the Guelph O.A.C. climatological station from March, 1964 to February, 1969. Results showed that during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons, QS alone can be used to estimate QN satisfactorily. Daily values of QN are about 50% of QS. The relationship derived for estimating QS from duration of bright sunshine (n) showed good agreement with findings of previous workers. QS varies between 20 and 80% of QA for overcast to cloudless days. The relationships derived in this study can be used to estimate net and solar radiation on a daily basis when these measurements are unavailable.