Radiation measurements in arctic: introducing Tiksi Observatory

Making surface radiation measurements in Arctic high latitudes is filled with unique challenges. Most radiation instruments are not designed for the harsh arctic environment. Sources of erroneous data are twofold: solar tracker malfunctions and riming of the instruments. A three-year comparison of the component sum and global shortwave measurements was conducted at Alert, Canada; Barrow, Alaska; and Eureka, Canada (2008-2010) to investigate the integrity of the shorwave irradiance data. Further, shortwave and longwave data on March 26, 2010 was used to illustrate riming problems of the instruments in the arctic. Station design, deployment of auxiliary SNP-1 radiometer, and the utility of proper heated ventilation systems are illustrated.