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Increased ultraviolet radiation in New Zealand (45° S) relative to Germany (48° N)

Nature volume 359, pages 135–137 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

RECENT analyses of global ozone measurements have confirmed that ozone reductions are not confined to the Antarctic, but now extend to mid-latitudes in both hemispheres1,2. Ozone reductions lead to increases in biologically damaging ultraviolet radiation3, and such increases have been observed in Antarctica1,4 and Australia5. Little is known, however, about hemispheric differences in ultraviolet intensities. Here we use a combination of spectral measurements made in Germany and New Zealand with the same spectroradiometer, together with model calculations, to show that in the New Zealand summer of 1990–1991 biologically weighted ultraviolet irradiances were nearly a factor of two greater than those in the summer at similar northern latitudes in Germany. These differences are larger than expected3,6, and are due mainly to decreased stratospheric ozone over New Zealand and increased levels of tropospheric ozone over Germany.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. G. Seckmeyer

    Present address: Fraunhofer-Institut für Atmosphärische Umweltforschung (IFU), Kreuzeckbahnstrasse 19, 8100, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

  2. R. L. McKenzie

    Present address: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd, Te Tari Taihoro Nukurangi (NIWAR), Atmospheric Division, Lauder, Private Bag, Omakau, New Zealand

Authors and Affiliations

  1. GSF, Institut für Biochemische Pflanzenpathologie, Inglostädter Landstrasse 1, D-8042, Neuherberg, Germany

    G. Seckmeyer

  2. DSIR Physical Sciences, Lauder 9182, Central Otago, New Zealand

    R. L. McKenzie

Authors
  1. G. Seckmeyer
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  2. R. L. McKenzie
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Seckmeyer, G., McKenzie, R. Increased ultraviolet radiation in New Zealand (45° S) relative to Germany (48° N). Nature 359, 135–137 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/359135a0

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