Surface Observation Methodology
One of my electronic thermometer/hydrometers. Used as a relay point for my anemometer as well, this oddly-shaped unit measures dew point.
Image by: Justin Reid (date not available, incorrect date print on image)
On a recount of methodology, I will now relive a certain methodolgy in atmospheric science called the "surface observation". Unlike the "thermodynamic profile" in my last blog, the surface observation only measures the conditions(such as temperature, wind speed and direction, etc.) at the surface alone. These observations are what weather maps are drawn from like you see on the news reports. Fronts, highs and lows, and other atmospheric aberrations are found at the surface level. There are now mostly automated weather stations called ASOS (Automated Surface Observation System) and others that measure surface conditions automatically; even if it is raining and cloud cover! Though many private observations are still taken the old-fashioned way, the human weather watcher.
I have taken some surface observations. Usually at 4:00 PM when the National Weather Service does their daily climate sum-up. But unlike the ASOS and those who can afford a Rainwise MK model (a very fancy and expensive automatic weather station), all observations must be made with the human observer manning the station. This has lead me to review my observation techniques. Which, the system could be improved by leaps and bounds.
My biggest problem is time continuity. Taking a constant surface observation at a certain time is difficult. Especially with constant appointments or homework interference. There is also sky percentage, which without a celiomenter (a device that measures cloud pecentage and height) cannot be 100% percent accurate. A constant ledger and summary docuement system for each day have been hard to come by. The high and low temperature for each day is also a challenge, because without pressing a reset button at the correct time of day, or forgetting to do so; could interfere with that day's measurement. I have concluded that through this system, a full time observer must be in place for the observing schedule. Automated systems such a Rainwise are beneficial, since the obesever is freed up and has more leeway.
Though some newer systems are actually reverting to the old ways of surface observing. Though some of the techinques I have used in surface observing are extremely tedious. The CoCoRaHS rain gauge network uses a standard National Weather Service rain guage. That guage isn't an automatic electronic one that I have at my home weather station, but a classic acrylic long-term rain gauge that is clear and has to be emptied. The way the CoCoRaHS rain gauge system wants this gauge mounted and used is to reduce inaccuracies. They are even against the automatic rain guage; even on the National Weather Service's own ASOS. This is a special case where good surface observing techniques are used and must be crtiqued. If you still want more info on CoCoRaHS and how to join, I still have a link to their website. It is on my blog "CoCoRaHS is Finally Here!".
One of the rarest images I have ever taken. This is the image of the underside of a tornadic or supercell thunderstorm. This rare system did drop a weak tornado in Cabarrus County. This formation of the supercell called a mesocyclone is the rotating updraft of the supercell that makes it so powerful and the tornado possible. If a tornado formed at my house during this storm, it would have been in this image with the mesocyclone. One of my hail images from this storm made it to a National Weather Service Storm report, click Here to see the report on this system by the National Weather Service and my image published at the bottom of the page.
No comments:
Post a Comment