Measurements of ultraviolet reflection on coastal sand

The effects of ultraviolet radiation are greater in the coastal zone than in inland areas, due to reflection of sunlight from sand and the sea surface. These effects may be linked to erythema, melanization, etc. Detailed quantitative research on such basic aspects as the amount of UV reflected off a sand beach is still lacking. This report hopes to contribute to a better understanding of the intensity and distribution of UV radiation in a typical shoreline environment. The following aspects are researched and analyzed: (1) Basic directional pattern on UV intensity. (2) Differences in intensity of reflected UV radiation at various activity areas, including sand, waterline and in the water that comprise a beach environment. (3) Characteristics of UV radiation reflected off sea surface. (4) Amount of radiation found at various positions along beach.<>