An Automatic Profiler of the Temperature, Wind and Humidity in the Troposphere

Abstract

A remote-sensing system for continuously profiling the troposphere is discussed; the prototype Profiler utilizes radio wavelengths, thereby achieving essentially all-weather operation. Designed for unattended operation, the Profiler employs radiometric and Doppler radar technology. Design, construction and calibration of the instruments composing the Profiler system are described along with some of the physics and mathematics upon which their operation is based. Examples of profiles and other variables of meteorological interest are given, and comparisons are made with simultaneous data from colocated operational (NWS) sondes. An algorithm based on climatological statistics of measurements by radiosonde is used in the radiometric retrieval process, but there is no reliance of the products of the Profiler upon any current radiosonde data. The role of the Profiler in mesoscale and synoptic weather forecasting and its relationship to systems employing sounders on satellite platforms are also discussed.