GEOGRAPHY & CARTOGRAPHY CALCULATOR
Indexuv Index Latitude
A precise tool.
What is the Indexuv Index Latitude & How does it work?
The ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth’s surface varies systematically with latitude because the Sun’s rays strike the surface at different angles.
Near the equator, the Sun is nearly overhead, producing a higher UV index, while toward the poles the Sun remains low on the horizon, reducing the intensity of UV radiation.
A simple trigonometric model relates the UV index to latitude using the cosine of the latitude angle.
UV = UV_{max} \cdot \cos(\phi)
\phi = latitude (degrees)
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does UV radiation vary with latitude?
UV radiation is higher near the equator and lower at the poles due to the angle of the Sun's rays.
What is the formula used in this calculator?
The formula is UV = UV_max * cos(Ο), where Ο is the latitude in degrees.
Why does the Sun's angle matter for UV radiation?
The Sun's lower angle at higher latitudes scatters more UV light, reducing its intensity on the ground.
Can this calculator be used for any location?
Yes, as long as you know the latitude of the location, you can calculate the expected UV index.
What is UV_max in the formula?
UV_max represents the maximum possible UV radiation at a given time and day of the year.
How accurate is this model for predicting UV levels?
This model provides a simplified approximation; actual UV levels can vary due to other factors like cloud cover and ozone levels.
Is there a specific time of day when UV radiation is highest?
UV radiation peaks around midday, so this calculator assumes the maximum UV level occurs at that time.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.