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Atmospheric Surface-Layer Response to the Annular Solar Eclipse of 15 January 2010 over Thiruvananthapuram, India

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Abstract

On 15 January 2010, Thiruvananthapuram in India (8.5°N, 76.9°E) witnessed one of the longest possible noontime annular solar eclipses spanning a period of about 7 min centred at 1314 local time. Here, we present a case study on the behaviour of the atmospheric surface layer by comparing the eclipse-induced observations with similar measurements recorded on cloud-free/clear-sky days. During the peak period of the eclipse, the incoming solar irradiance was reduced by 87% of its normal values, resulting in an air-temperature decrease near the surface of 1.2°C in association with a significant reduction in turbulent kinetic energy, momentum flux and sensible heat flux. The rate of instantaneous decay in solar radiation and sensible heat flux from the first contact of the eclipse to its annularity was greater than that seen during normal evening hours.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Space Physics Laboratory, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Department of Space, Government of India, Indian Space Research Organization, Thiruvananthapuram, 695 022, Kerala, India

    D. Bala Subrahamanyam, T. J. Anurose, Mannil Mohan, M. Santosh, N. V. P. Kiran Kumar, S. Sijikumar, S. S. Prijith & Marina Aloysius

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  1. D. Bala Subrahamanyam
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  2. T. J. Anurose
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  3. Mannil Mohan
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  4. M. Santosh
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  5. N. V. P. Kiran Kumar
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  6. S. Sijikumar
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  7. S. S. Prijith
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  8. Marina Aloysius
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Correspondence to D. Bala Subrahamanyam.

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Bala Subrahamanyam, D., Anurose, T.J., Mohan, M. et al. Atmospheric Surface-Layer Response to the Annular Solar Eclipse of 15 January 2010 over Thiruvananthapuram, India. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 141, 325–332 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-011-9627-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-011-9627-z

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