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www.atmos-meas-tech-discuss.net/3/1807/2010/
doi:10.5194/amtd-3-1807-2010
© Author(s) 2010. This work is distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
A guide for upper-air reference measurements
1Richard-Assmann-Observatorium, Deutscher Wetterdienst, Lindenberg, Germany
2School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
3Environmental Measurement Group, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
4Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
5Hadley Centre, Met Office, Exeter, UK
Abstract. The accurate monitoring of climate change imposes strict requirements upon observing systems, in particular regarding measurement accuracy and long-term stability. Currently available data records of the essential climate variables (temperature-T, geopotential-p, humidity-RH, wind, and cloud properties) in the upper-air generally fail to fulfill such requirements. This raises serious issues about the ability to detect, quantify and understand recent climate changes and their causes. GCOS is currently implementing a Reference Upper-Air Network (GRUAN) in order to fill this major void within the global observing system. As part of the GRUAN implementation plan we provide herein fundamental guidelines for establishing and maintaining reference quality atmospheric observations which are based on principal concepts of metrology, in particular traceability. It is argued that the detailed analysis of the uncertainty budget of a measurement technique is the critical step for achieving this goal. As we will demonstrate with an example, detailed knowledge of the calibration procedures and data processing algorithms are required for determining the uncertainty of each individual data point. Of particular importance is the careful assessment of the uncertainties introduced by correction schemes adjusting for systematic effects.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 1317 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 4 Comments) Final Revised Paper (AMT)
Notice on Discussion StatusCitation: Immler, F., Dykema, J., Gardiner, T., Whiteman, D. N., Thorne, P. W., and Vömel, H.: A guide for upper-air reference measurements, Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., 3, 1807-1842, doi:10.5194/amtd-3-1807-2010, 2010. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
