1. Gathering Weather Data
Section 12.3

2. Data From Earth’s Surface
Meteorologists measure temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and relative humidity
Thermometer – measures temperature; Fahrenheit or Celsius; liquid in glass or bimetallic strip
Barometer – measures air pressure; mercury or aneroid

3. Data From Earth’s Surface
Anemometer – measures wind speed
Wind vane – measures the direction of wind
Hygrometer – measures humidity; sling psychrometer

4. Automated Surface Observing
NWS, FAA, and Dept. of Defense established the ASOS.
Began in 1990’s
24/7 weather data
Provides info for aviation, weather forecasting, and weather research

5. Data in the Upper Atmosphere
Radiosonde is an instrument for gathering data in the upper atmosphere
Include sensors and transmitters
Suspended from a weather balloon
Rawindsonde = radar + wind + radiosonde
Began in 1980’s now replaced by GPS tracking