A standard meteorological station measures various atmospheric parameters to monitor weather conditions and support meteorological research. Here are some key parameters typically measured, along with the instruments used for each:
1. Temperature
- Parameter: Air temperature
- Instrument: Thermometer (mercury or digital electronic thermometers, thermocouples)
2. Humidity
- Parameter: Relative humidity
- Instrument: Hygrometer (capacitive, resistive, or psychrometers)
3. Atmospheric Pressure
- Parameter: Barometric pressure
- Instrument: Barometer (mercury barometer or aneroid barometer)
4. Wind Speed and Direction
- Parameters:
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
- Instruments:
- Anemometer (cup anemometer or vane anemometer)
- Wind vane (bowan or sail type)
5. Precipitation
- Parameter: Rainfall (or precipitation amount)
- Instrument: Rain gauge (standard tipping bucket, non-tipping bucket, or weighing rain gauge)
6. Solar Radiation
- Parameter: Solar irradiance
- Instrument: Pyranometer (for measuring total solar radiation)
7. Cloud Cover
- Parameter: Cloud cover (fraction of sky covered by clouds)
- Instrument: Ceilometer (for low cloud detection) or visual observation
8. Visibility
- Parameter: Horizontal visibility
- Instrument: Visibility meter (transmissometer or visual observation)
9. Soil Temperature and Moisture
- Parameters:
- Soil temperature
- Soil moisture content
- Instruments: Soil thermometers and soil moisture sensors (tensiometers or capacitance sensors)
10. Evaporation
- Parameter: Evaporation rate
- Instrument: Evaporation pan (class A pan)
11. Snow Depth
- Parameter: Snow depth
- Instrument: Snow gauge (manual or automatic)
Summary
A standard meteorological station combines these instruments to provide a comprehensive view of weather and atmospheric conditions. Data from these stations are crucial for weather forecasting, climate research, and environmental monitoring. Regular maintenance and calibration of these instruments are essential for accurate measurements.