A revised method for determining the direct and diffuse components of the total short‐wave radiation

Abstract

Abstract A relationship, derived by Liu and Jordan (1960), under which the total short‐wave radiation may readily be subdivided into its direct and diffuse components is shown to vary both spatially and seasonally. This variability is attributed to changes in the importance of the multiple reflection of short‐wave radiation between the earth's surface and atmosphere. A revised relationship, which incorporates the influence of this process, is shown to have applicability at a large number of Canadian locations.