Radiation Conditions

Abstract

In the history of actinometric measurements in the Arctic, five phases can be distinguished:

Phase 1. The 19^th century. During this period, measurements of solar radiation were made using ordinary thermometers, i.e. the difference between the readings of thermometers with shaded and exposed bulbs, placed in the sun and in the shade, was used to estimate the intensity of radiation. According to Gavrilova (1963) the first such measurements were made during the expeditions of John Franklin to the polar sea in the years 1825, 1826, and 1827 (Franklin 1828). Later on, using the same method, measurements were conducted during different expeditions to the Arctic (Solar Radiation..., 1876; Report of the International..., 1885; Observations of the International..., 1886).