What measurements does radiosonde use?

Radiosondes are battery-powered telemetry instrument packages that are carried into the atmosphere typically by a weather balloon; they measure altitude, pressure, temperature, relative humidity, wind (both speed and direction), and cosmic ray readings at high altitudes.

What is the use of radiosonde?

Radiosondes measure atmospheric pressure, air temperature, water vapor (humidity) and winds (speed and direction). Modern radiosondes contain a GPS receiver to calculate wind speed and direction, and a radio transmitter to send the data back to the ground.

What does a radiosonde measure how are they lifted?

Radiosonde instrument that is lifted into the atmosphere via a large hydrogen filled balloon. As the radiosonde is carried aloft it measures pressure, temperature, and relative humidity. These sensors are linked to a battery powered radio transmitter that sends the information to a ground receiver.

How is pressure measured on a radiosonde?

In radiosondes utilizing a pressure sensor, atmospheric pressure is measured directly by the radiosonde. The measured pressure is then used together with atmospheric humidity and temperature profiles, as well as surface pressure to calculate geopotential height [1].

What kind of measurements can a radiosonde make?

The radiosonde contains instruments capable of making direct in-situ measurements of air temperature, humidity and pressure with height, typically to altitudes of approximately 30 km. These observed data are transmitted immediately to the ground station by a radio transmitter located within the instrument package.

Why is the accuracy of a radiosonde so important?

Radiosondes measure critical atmospheric variables with accuracy and precision that cannot be obtained with other meteorological observations. Radiosondes are unique instruments as they provide continuous, detailed profiles from the ground to altitudes of 30 km and above. The quality and reliability of the measurements are essential.

When is the position of a radiosonde tracked?

When the position of a radiosonde is tracked (to obtain wind speed and direction) it is actually called a rawinsonde observation. This video, from the NWS Tampa Bay office, shows the process of a balloon launch.

What kind of data does a radiosonde observation provide?

Technically, radiosonde observations provide only pressure, temperature, and relative humidity data. When the position of a radiosonde is tracked (to obtain wind speed and direction) it is actually called a rawinsonde observation. This video, from the NWS Tampa Bay office, shows the process of a balloon launch.