Central Asia’s UV Radiation Over 20 Years: Altitude, Albedo, and Climate Influences

This study investigates UV radiation trends and drivers in Central Asia over 20 years (2005–2024) using data from NASA’s OMI/Aura and GLDAS_NOAH10_M v2.1. Linear regression reveals a slight decline in UV mean levels (slope: -0.004789), a modest increase in albedo mean (slope: 0.070258), and a significant rise in surface temperature mean (slope: 0.221627), with precipitation remaining stable. Spatial analysis shows elevated UV in high-altitude snow/glacier zones (>3,000 m) due to high albedo (29.62–30.94%) and reduced atmospheric filtering, peaking in 2016–2017 (6.53–6.80 J m⁻²). Multiple regression modeling (R²=0.72) identifies altitude and albedo as primary UV drivers, explaining 65% and 20% of variance, respectively. These findings highlight the impact of climatic and topographic factors on UV exposure, suggesting the need for elevation-specific UV monitoring and albedo management strategies, such as reforestation, to mitigate risks in this vulnerable region.