What Instruments Are on a Weather Balloon?

Weather balloons are used to gather atmospheric data to be used in forecasts and current weather reports. Weather balloons are simple, usually consisting of a hydrogen filled balloon with an attached radiosonde. The radiosonde is the only measuring device on the balloon, and is used to measure several different conditions.

  1. Pressure

    • Measuring pressure can help meteorologists determine what types of weather systems are approaching, and whether or not it is likely that there will be storms in the near future.

    Geographical Position

    • Measuring geographical position helps meteorologists determine wind speeds, because they can determine how quickly the balloon is moving from one position to another.

    Temperature

    • Measuring temperature can help meteorologists forecast weather, and determine what types of precipitation may be in the near future.

    Relative Humidity

    • Measuring relative humidity allows meteorologists to determine whether foggy conditions are imminent, and also whether precipitation is likely to occur.

    Altitude

    • Measuring altitude can help a meteorologist determine what types of weather will be occurring. Knowing weather conditions at different altitudes can help meteorologists identify various weather patterns and aid in forecasting.

Related Searches:

Resources

Comments

You May Also Like

  • What Does a Weather Balloon Do & Measure?

    A weather balloon is used by the National Weather Service to measure air temperature, barometric pressure and humidity. Learn about the instruments...

  • How to Make a Weather Instrument in Middle School

    Budding meteorologists have a blast making homemade weather instruments. Most are easy to make and are remarkably accurate. One of the most...

  • How to Use a Weather Balloon

    Weather balloons have long been an incredibly important tool in meteorology. These instruments can measure a vast range of atmospheric data, providing...

  • Facts About Weather Balloons

    Weather balloons have long been valuable instrument for measuring and forecasting weather conditions. Today's weather balloons are far more sophisticated than those...

  • How Do Hygrometers Help Predict Weather?

    Hygrometers are simple devices that are used to measure the humidity levels and the temperature of the surroundings. These are devices widely...

  • How to Buy a Weather Balloon

    Having your own weather balloon can give you an interesting hobby. There are many societies that offer amateur meteorologists the chance to...

  • DIY Weather Balloon

    Weather balloons, which measure atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity, can be constructed from readily available materials. Weather balloons are relatively ...

  • What Are the Instruments Used in Observing Weather?

    Meteorologists employ a diverse assortment of instruments to observe weather conditions. These instruments allow a meteorologist to forecast the weather by relaying...

  • Weather Balloon Types

    Weather balloons are commonly used to measure and evaluate the condition of the upper atmosphere. They are generally composed of a highly...

  • What Instruments Are Used to Measure Weather?

    What Instruments Are Used to Measure Weather?. Measuring and recording weather data requires several pieces of equipment. Comprehensive world weather reporting requires...

  • The Function of Weather Balloons

    Weather balloons play in an important role in understanding weather patterns and forecasting dangerous storms and weather events. A weather balloon carries...

  • The History of Weather Balloons

    The basic concept of the weather balloon has changed little since its development in the late 1800s, although improvements to the balloon...

  • How to Make a Barometer & Other Weather Instruments

    Weather stations can be fun and are easy to construct. They can be an asset for a gardener who is keeping track...

  • What Are Weather Instruments That Determine the Weather?

    What Are Weather Instruments That Determine the Weather?. The term weather refers to the conditions of heat and water occurring in the...

  • Types of Tests Performed by Weather Balloons

    If you are like most people, checking the weather is a daily routine. Will you have clear skies for your garden party?...

  • What Is a Weather Balloon Used For?

    In 1785, English physician John Jeffries launched the first weather balloon. This simple invention made it possible for future scientists to unravel...

  • How Do You Measure Altitude?

    Measuring altitude shows the elevation of land or the height of an aircraft. The typical starting point for altitude measurements is sea...

  • How to Make a Weather Balloon

    The National Weather Service releases weather balloons twice a day from nearly 900 locations around the world--of which 92 of those locations...

Related Ads

Featured