A Stevenson screen, also known as a meteorological screen, is a specialized structure used in meteorology to house instruments that measure temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions. Its primary purpose is to protect these instruments from direct sunlight, precipitation, and other environmental factors that could affect their readings while still allowing for adequate airflow to ensure accurate measurements.
Key features of a Stevenson screen include:
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White Color: The screen is typically painted white, which helps reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, preventing artificial warming of the instruments inside.
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Ventilation: It has louvered sides to promote airflow, ensuring that the air inside the screen is representative of the ambient conditions.
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Elevation: The screen is raised off the ground to avoid heat radiating from the surface, which can skew temperature readings.
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Dimensions: The standard design typically follows specific dimensions, often around 1 meter in height and width, to maintain consistency in observations.
Stevenson screens are commonly used in weather stations around the world to provide reliable data for meteorological studies and forecasts.
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