Student Research Reports
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An Analysis of Surface Ultraviolet Radiation Levels in Southeastern Michigan Compared with Select Atmospheric Data
Organization(s):Crestwood High School
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Ali Elakari, Youssef Hamood, Ali Mzannar, Mahdi Nassereddine, Ali Slim
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Diana Rae Johns
Contributors:
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Barometric Pressure, Clouds, Relative Humidity, Surface Temperature
Presentation Poster:
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/11/2023
In this research, an Arduino Uno Rev3 using a SI1145 UV IR Visible sensor was constructed to collect UV index levels. A commercial grade UV detector (Sunknown) was also used to collect data to compare with the data collected using the Arduino based sensor we built and coded. Cloud data was also obtained using the GLOBE Observer App on our phones. We followed the clouds protocols within the Observer App and collected numerous types of data including cloud type, coverage, opacity, etc. We also measured surface temperature data using an Etekcity Lasergrip 774 infrared thermometer. All data was collected twice daily on a uniformly grassy area in front of Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan from August through September 2022 (a total of 41 days). This research sought to quantify possible relationships between UV index levels based on cloud coverage and type and other associated atmospheric parameters. We also sought to determine whether there was a correlation between UV index levels and ground temperature. We found clear relationships between cloud coverage and UV levels, cloud type and UV levels, cloud opacity and UV levels, and UV levels and ground temperature. Our data showed that increased cloud coverage and opacity decreased UV levels. Cirrus clouds were found to block the least amount of UV whereas stratus and cumulus blocked the most. Knowing how atmospheric data can affect UV index levels, may help school personnel know how best to assure that students are safely protected when engaging in outdoor activities. In the future, we would like to extend our research to see how sun angle and clouds affect UV levels through changing seasons at mid-latitudes.