What Are Weather Instruments

If there’s one thing that many of us find ourselves talking about, it’s the weather. Such discussions, however, usually involve general observations, not data-based information derived from the instruments that actually measure such variables as air pressure, humidity, or wind strength. In this concise and compelling volume, young readers will be treated to clear information and useful illustrations that will help them gain a true understanding of what’s behind all the talk about weather. In fact, this accessible book provides tips so that would-be meteorologists can take a hands-on approach to measuring rainfall, wind direction, humidity, and more.

If there’s one thing that many of us find ourselves talking about, it’s the weather. Such discussions, however, usually involve general observations, not data-based information derived from the instruments that actually measure such variables as air pressure, humidity, or wind strength. In this concise and compelling volume, young readers will be treated to clear information and useful illustrations that will help them gain a true understanding of what’s behind all the talk about weather. In fact, this accessible book provides tips so that would-be meteorologists can take a hands-on approach to measuring rainfall, wind direction, humidity, and more.

The barometer -- The thermometer -- Instruments for measuring humidity -- The rain gauge and the atmometer -- The windvane and the anemometer -- The measurement of the duration of sunshine -- Early meteorographs -- Upper winds and the height and motion of clouds -- Upper-air soundings without telemetry -- Telemeteorography and the radiosonde -- Epilogue.

V. 1. Instruments for surface observations.--v. 2. Instruments for upper air observations.

This book describes the fundamental scientific principles underlying high quality instrumentation used for environmental measurements. It discusses a wide range of in situ sensors employed in practical environmental monitoring and, in particular, those used in surface based measurement systems. It also considers the use of weather balloons to provide a wealth of upper atmosphere data. To illustrate the technologies in use it includes many examples of real atmospheric measurements in typical and unusual circumstances, with a discussion of the electronic signal conditioning, data acquisition considerations and data processing principles necessary for reliable measurements. This also allows the long history of atmospheric measurements to be placed in the context of the requirements of modern climate science, by building the physical science appreciation of the instrumental record and looking forward to new and emerging sensor and recording technologies.