Does one get higher UV exposures at higher elevations?
Yes. Higher elevations have less atmosphere overhead, as evidenced by the thinner air and lower atmospheric pressure. The increase in sun-burning UV radiation is typically about 5-10% for each kilometre of elevation, the exact number depending on the specific wavelength, solar angle, reflections, and other local conditions. Frequently, other factors besides thickness of the atmosphere cause even larger differences in UV radiation between elevations. Snow is more common at higher elevations, and reflections from it can lead to very large increases in exposure. Lower locations tend to have more haze and more polluted atmosphere which can block some UV radiation. • Does air pollution protect one from UV-B radiation? Yes, but at a high price. Air pollution is generally undesirable due to the numerous other serious problems associated with it, including respiratory illness, eye irritation, and damage to vegetation. While most of the atmospheric ozone resides in the stratosphere, some ozone
Yes. Higher elevations have less atmosphere overhead, as evidenced by the thinner air and lower atmospheric pressure. The increase in sun-burning UV radiation is typically about 5-10% for each kilometre of elevation, the exact number depending on the specific wavelength, solar angle, reflections, and other local conditions. Frequently, other factors besides thickness of the atmosphere cause even larger differences in UV radiation between elevations. Snow is more common at higher elevations, and reflections from it can lead to very large increases in exposure. Lower locations tend to have more haze and more polluted atmosphere which can block some UV radiation.
