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Measuring weather
in situ measurements
If you want to measure the weather from the inside, making a direct measurement
of the current properties of the atmosphere, where would you go? First you
would go outdoors, and then, well, you're there!
Making weather measurements from the ground is a common and critically important
method, known more technically as "surface observations." Surface observations
are performed by people holding measuring instruments or by automated machines.
But you don't have to keep your feet on the ground; there's so much weather
going on above your head! In situ weather measurements above the ground are
collectively known as "upper air observations." Upper air observations are made
by people and instruments on airplanes or by self-propelled crafts launched into
the atmosphere.
The chart to the right by the COMET Program gives you an idea of how many observations are being made around the world. Next page -> in situ, surface observations
Links and resources
in situ measurements
If you want to measure the weather from the inside, making a direct measurement
of the current properties of the atmosphere, where would you go? First you
would go outdoors, and then, well, you're there!
Making weather measurements from the ground is a common and critically important
method, known more technically as "surface observations." Surface observations
are performed by people holding measuring instruments or by automated machines.
But you don't have to keep your feet on the ground; there's so much weather
going on above your head! In situ weather measurements above the ground are
collectively known as "upper air observations." Upper air observations are made
by people and instruments on airplanes or by self-propelled crafts launched into
the atmosphere.
The chart to the right by the COMET Program gives you an idea of how many observations are being made around the world. Next page -> in situ, surface observations
Links and resources
