Atmospheric Sciences 101 Observing Systems

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Atmospheric Sciences 101 Observing Systems
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ASOS Automated Surface Observing System
Backbone Observing System in the U.S.
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Hydrothermograph
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Precipitation Gauges
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Laser Weather Identifier
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Anemometer Wind Vane
Laser Ceilometer
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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.
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Lightning Sensor
Visibility Sensor
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Full ASOS system in Arizona
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Other Surface Networks

• Bureau of Land Management
• RAWS
• Agrimet
• PAWS
• Department of Ecology
• Puget Sound Clean Air
• BC Hydro
• BC Olympics
• Weather Underground

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Marine Reports
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Ocean and Lake Weather Buoys
Anchored
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Drifting Buoys
Pressure
Wind
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Coastal Marine (CMAN) Reports from the Coast Guard
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Northwest Buoy and CMAN Locations
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Ship Reports Marine VOS Program
Volunteers Observers--generally 6-hourly
reports Highly variable quality and frequency
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Upper Air Data
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Early Upper Air Information

• Mountain weather stations
• Weather kites

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Early Upper Air Information

• Early 20th century manned aircraft
• 1920s-1930s the development of balloon-carried
  instrumentsthe radiosonde.

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Radiosonde
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Radiosonde Video
http//www.youtube.com/watch?vjGQWUFEMxT8
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Profiler
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Seattle Profiler/RASS
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ACARS Aircraft Observations Generally on
wide-body aircraft
Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting
System
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