UV-B in Germany higher in 1993 than in 1992

A comparison of spectral UV measurements between 1992 and 1993 showed increased levels of UV-B radiation in late spring and early summer of 1993 caused by reduced total ozone columns. The monthly averaged total ozone columns in 1993 were the lowest since ozone was systematically recorded in Southern Germany. The data also show that UV-A radiation was lower in 1993 than in 1992, due to differences in cloudiness between the two years. Our data demonstrate the impact of clouds and aerosols on UV-B irradiances which must be considered in addition to stratospheric ozone change when interpreting changes in UV-B irradiances.