Radiosonde

Two modern Graw radiosondes with desktop SDR receiver

PSM V53 D061 Train of tandem kites bearing a meteorograph

PSM V53 D070 Meteorograph

Wea01108 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library

Launching radiosonde 1943

Radiosonde is an atmospheric sensor package that is carried into the atmosphere by a weather balloon for the purpose of measuring various atmospheric parameters and transmitting them to a ground receiver. The primary purpose of a radiosonde is to collect data on temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind speed and direction at various levels throughout the atmosphere. This information is crucial for weather forecasting, climate research, and for understanding the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere.

History

The development of the radiosonde is a significant milestone in the field of meteorology. The first successful radiosonde flight took place in the 1930s, marking the beginning of using remote sensing to collect atmospheric data. Prior to this, weather observations were limited to the surface and to the heights that could be reached by fixed weather stations or balloons that could only measure conditions along their ascent without transmitting data in real-time.

Function

A typical radiosonde measures atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and during its flight, it can also derive wind speed and direction by tracking the movement of the balloon with GPS or radar. These measurements are taken at regular intervals as the balloon ascends through the atmosphere, reaching altitudes up to 30 kilometers (about 100,000 feet) before the balloon expands to a point where it bursts, allowing the radiosonde to parachute back to the ground.

Components

The main components of a radiosonde include:

• Sensors: To measure temperature, humidity, and pressure.
• Transmitter: To send the collected data back to a ground station.
• Battery: To power the device throughout its flight.
• GPS: For tracking the position, which helps in calculating wind speed and direction.

Usage

Radiosondes are used by national weather services, research institutions, and in various meteorological studies. The data collected by radiosondes are essential for:

• Improving the accuracy of weather forecasting models.
• Studying the atmosphere for climate research.
• Monitoring upper atmosphere conditions for aviation safety.
• Researching atmospheric phenomena such as tropospheric and stratospheric processes.

Deployment

Radiosondes are typically launched twice daily from over 800 locations around the world as part of a coordinated global weather observation network. Special launches may also occur during significant weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes to provide additional data for forecasting and research.

Environmental Impact

While radiosondes provide invaluable data for weather prediction and atmospheric research, there are concerns about their environmental impact, particularly regarding the litter and wildlife hazard posed by the fallen sondes and balloons. Efforts are being made to develop biodegradable materials for the balloons and sondes to mitigate these impacts.

Future Developments

Advancements in technology are leading to smaller, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly radiosondes. Innovations include the use of solar power, improvements in sensor accuracy, and the development of reusable radiosondes. Additionally, there is a growing interest in complementing traditional radiosonde data with information gathered from satellites, drones, and other remote sensing technologies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of atmospheric conditions.

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