A MODEL SIMULATION OF THE SOLAR ENERGY IMPINGING ON THE GIZA PYRAMIDS

Document Type : Review Article

Author

National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (ISAC), Padua, Italy

Abstract


A simulation model of the solar energy impinging on stone blocks is made to ascertain the
impact of solar radiation on the walls of the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. The model considers the
solar radiation hitting the upper surface, and the vertical sides of stone blocks on the four walls.
The calculation concerns: the solar height and azimuth; the daily total amount of solar radiation;
the instantaneous values of the flux of solar radiation. The results are reported and discussed,
pointing out the main features of the daily and seasonal cycles, as well as the impact on the
various exposures.

Keywords