The short wave solar radiation (ROC) that passes through the atmosphere depends mainly on the atmospheric turbidity and cloud cover. A study of the variability of the optical depth of the atmosphere over Maceió, in the State of Alagoas, using incoming solar radiation in the top of the atmosphere and surface, was carried through long wave radiation (ROL), cloud covering, precipitable water and precipitation using the NCAR/NCEP re-analysis data set. The annual cycle of the optical depth obtained with these data, was compared through observed global radiation from the UFAL meteorology department's data set for the period from 1997 to 1999. In the period from January to June of the year 1997, Maceio had about 60 to 80 per cent of cloud cover and during the period from April to July (rainy season in that location) it had highest cloud cover of around 70 to 80 per cent, increasing the attenuation. The highest ROC concentration occurred in the year 1999 (La Niña conditions) with a maximum of 10 mm day-1 precipitation. The values of transmittance totalizer calculated in function of the Ryleigh scattering for the water vapor had oscillated from 0.30 to 0.47.
solar radiation; optical depth; cloud covering; turbidity
