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<br /> <br />0014 71IV.4 <br /> <br />In most geophysical experiments in the field, three or four flUXes . <br />of radiation are measured. The cost of a recorder for each fluxc~ be <br />reduced where a multi-channel recording system is available. The four <br />fluxes usually measured are: shortwave downltard (insolation, incident <br />solar radiation); shortwave upward (reflected from the surface); allwave <br />downward (liemispherical radiation of both short and long wavelengths) j <br />and the net exchange of allwave radiation (difference between upward . <br />allllllve and d01lllW1lrd allllllve). From these four measurements, longwave <br />radiation It>li'llrd and dOWIlllllrd can, at least in theory, be detel'lllined by <br />subtraction. <br /> <br />It m~ be possible to dispense with continuous measurements of ,. <br />llpWllI'd shoi;lt..,.~ 1'lldiation by m~asuring albedo at intervals. However, <br />albedo varfes in response to MeteorOlOgical and other forces, often over <br />a large range; its regime must be understood before available handbook <br />values of' albedo can be applied to many practical prOblems. <br /> <br />Inst~ental limitations of the radiation sensors, beyond those <br />caused by" $1ch special conditions as pollution by" aerosols or topographic <br />shading, iriOlude the effects of (1) tomperature on output of thermocouples, <br />(2) wind on 1lli.shielded allwave instruments, (3) dust and dew on glass <br />shields of :shortwave sensors and on polyethylene shields of longwave . <br />sensors; arid (4) precipitation on both shielded and unshielded sensors. <br />There remains a question whether polyethylene fillns change transparency <br />during exposure t.o the weather. For further discussion of such limitatio~, <br />reference should be made to the I.G.Y. Manual. <br /> <br />Rapid variation of the radiation fluxes with passage of clouds has <br />brought about the use of continuously recording potentiometers that <br />produce gr~atmileages of strip charts, often in more detail th~ a <br />given prob1;emmay require. Digitizing, tape-punching recording systems <br />may use longer intervals between measurements; also, they offer the <br />possibility of computer processing of the record. Since few studies have <br />been published on variation of radiation in different types of weather, <br />each invest:;tgator should examine his own problem to be sure he is getting' <br />needed deta"ilwi thout incurring unneeded costs for chart redw:tion. <br />Attachment 'of electrical or mechanical integrators to the potentiometer <br />increases the investment in recording equipment but reduces the operationJl <br />cost of oha:r-tredu:ction, if daily totals are neededorsllf'fiee. In some <br />installatiO)1s, it mtly be possible to dispense with the intermediate strip <br />chart and go direct to a counter giving daily totals. . <br /> <br />Radia'l<ion sensors usually are calibrated by the manllf'acturer. <br />Maintain1ngcalibration in field use is a problem, sometime.s requiring <br />shipment back to the manufacturer, or pOlllparison against .a standtu"d <br />instrument 'taken from station to station of a nett(Ork. Homemade <br />calibration equipment is also in use.. Users of records should assure <br />themselves .that instruments have been kept in calibration. <br />