Locating Spectral Density Spreadsheet Data for Daylight Throughout the Day: A Guide for Earth Science Researchers

As an Earth science researcher, you may be interested in studying the spectral density of daylight at different times of the day. This information can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as understanding how different wavelengths of light affect plant growth or how changes in the atmosphere affect the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.

However, finding reliable and accurate spectral density data can be challenging. In this article, we will explore where you can find spreadsheet data on the spectral density of daylight throughout the day, from morning to evening.

1. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a research laboratory of the United States Department of Energy. Its mission is to research and develop renewable energy technologies, including solar energy. As part of this mission, NREL maintains a comprehensive database of solar radiation and spectral data.

The NREL Spectral Model is a tool that can be used to calculate the spectral distribution of solar radiation at different times and locations. The tool uses a combination of ground-based measurements and satellite data to generate spectral data for a given location and time period.
The NREL Spectral Model provides data on the spectral density of solar radiation at various wavelengths throughout the day. The data is available in spreadsheet format, making it easy to import into your own research or analysis software. NREL also provides extensive documentation on the methodology and assumptions used in the model, making it a reliable data source for your research.

2. The World Radiation Data Center (WRDC)

The World Radiation Data Center (WRDC) is a specialized agency of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It is responsible for collecting and distributing data on solar radiation and related parameters from around the world.

The WRDC maintains a database of solar radiation measurements from ground-based stations and satellite data. The data are available in a variety of formats, including spreadsheets, and cover a wide range of locations and time periods.

WRDC also provides a tool called the Solar Position and Intensity Calculation Tool (SPINT), which can be used to calculate solar irradiance and spectral data for a given location and time period. The tool uses algorithms and models based on the latest scientific research and is regularly updated with new data.

3. The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program is a research program of the United States Department of Energy. Its mission is to study the interactions between clouds, aerosols, and radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere.

As part of its mission, the ARM Program maintains a network of ground-based observatories around the world that collect a wide range of atmospheric data, including solar radiation and spectral data. The data are available in a variety of formats, including spreadsheets, and cover a wide range of locations and time periods.

The ARM program also provides a tool called the Spectral Radiation Measurements (SRM) Instrument Handbook, which provides detailed information on the instruments used to measure spectral radiation and how the data are processed and analyzed. The handbook is a valuable resource for researchers new to working with spectral data.

4. The European Solar Radiation Atlas (ESRA)

The European Solar Radiation Atlas (ESRA) is a project funded by the European Commission to provide high quality solar radiation data and maps for Europe. The project includes data on spectral radiation as well as other parameters such as sunshine duration and cloud cover.

The ESRA project provides a number of tools and resources for accessing and analyzing the data, including an online database and interactive maps. The data are available in spreadsheet format and cover a wide range of locations and time periods.
Overall, there are several reliable sources of spreadsheet data on the spectral density of daylight throughout the day. By using these resources, you can obtain accurate and reliable data for your earth science research and analysis.

FAQs

1. What is the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a research laboratory operated by the United States Department of Energy. It is dedicated to researching and developing renewable energy technologies, including solar energy, and maintains a comprehensive database of solar radiation and spectral data.

2. What is the World Radiation Data Centre (WRDC)?

The World Radiation Data Centre (WRDC) is a specialized agency of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) responsible for collecting and distributing data on solar radiation and related parameters from around the world.

3. What is the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program?

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program is a research program operated by the United States Department of Energy. It is dedicated to studying the interactions between clouds, aerosols, and radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere and maintains a network of ground-based observatories around the world that collect a wide range of atmospheric data, including solar radiation and spectral data.

4. What is the European Solar Radiation Atlas (ESRA)?

The European Solar Radiation Atlas (ESRA) is a project funded by the European Commission to provide high-quality solar radiation data and maps for Europe. The project includes data on spectral radiation, as well as other parameters such as sunshine duration and cloud cover.

5. What formats are the data available in?

The data is available in various formats, including spreadsheets, making it easy to import into your own research or analysis software.

6. Are these sources reliable?

Yes, these sources are reliable as they are operated by reputable organizations and provide extensive documentation on the methodology and assumptions used in their models and measurements.

7. Can these sources provide data for different locations and time periods?

Yes, these sources can provide data for a wide range of locations and time periods, making them a valuable resource for researchers and analysts in the field of Earth science.