Atmospheric Sciences 101
Observing Systems
ASOS: Automated Surface
Observing System:
Backbone Observing System in the U.S.
Hydrothermograph
Precipitation Gauges
Laser Weather
Identifier
Anemometer
Wind Vane
Laser Ceilometer
The ASOS
Freezing Rain
Sensor
uses an ultrasonically
vibrating probe to detect
the presence of icing
conditions. The vibrating
frequency of the probe
decreases with the
accumulation of ice.
Lightning Sensor
Visibility Sensor
Full ASOS system in Arizona
Other Surface Networks
•Bureau of Land
Management
•RAWS
•Agrimet
•PAWS
•Department of Ecology
•Puget Sound Clean Air
•BC Hydro
•BC Olympics
•Weather Underground
Marine Reports
Ocean and Lake
Weather Buoys
Anchored
Drifting Buoys
Wind
Pressure
Coastal Marine (CMAN) Reports from the Coast Guard
Northwest Buoy and CMAN Locations
Ship Reports: Marine VOS Program
Volunteers Observers--generally 6-hourly reports
Highly variable quality and frequency
Upper Air Data
Early Upper Air Information
• Mountain weather stations
• Weather kites
Early Upper Air Information
• Early 20th century: manned aircraft
• 1920s-1930s: the development of ballooncarried instruments…the radiosonde.
Radiosonde
Radiosonde Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGQWUFEMxT8
Profiler
Seattle Profiler/RASS
ACARS: Aircraft Observations
Generally on wide-body aircraft
Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System