Spatial and Temporal Variability of Solar Radiation Arriving at the Top of the Atmosphere

Abstract

Based on the previously calculated insolation of the Earth, we determine the variations in solar radiation arriving at the top of the atmosphere, which are mainly connected with changes in the inclination of Earth’s rotation axis due to precession and nutation. The amplitudes of semiannual and hemispheric variations in solar radiation arriving at the top of the atmosphere were calculated. The results can be used in precise calculations of the radiative balance of Earth and its surface and atmosphere.