Mountain Areas Solar Radiation Spatial Distribution Analysis by Using Watersheds Digital Elevation Models

Abstract

The paper presents a procedure for establishing some peculiarities of solar radiation in mountain regions, using the digital elevation models. A set of formulas is given for calculating the direct solar radiation received by various surfaces as a function of the incidence angle. Using the thematic maps with the slope gradient and aspect of each raster cell, the layers with the equivalent latitudes and longitudes were calculated for the experimental watershed Valea Baii. The differences between the various areas within the watershed are illustrated by the area distribution on classes of equivalent coordinates. These variations are affecting the local climate and should be considered for climate change scenarios at tree stand level.