Finding our climate extremes rests on one man's shoulders

One of the driest places on earth, situated 5000 meters above sea level with a barren landscape reminiscent of Mars is not a place for vacationers nor any livings things. Yet one man's quest for science will soon bring him to this extra-terrestrial Atacama Plateau between the border of Chile and Bolivia.

Obsessed by exploration from a young age, he is not a typical tourist, nor does he pick the typical vacation spots. It is not a coincidence that his first research adventure landed him in the middle of nowhere to challenge Mongolia's lowest temperature on record, a staggering -55.6 °C, from a little know desert village named Zuungobi. It is the coldest desert village in the world outside of Antarctica. 

After months of meticulous research in the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) database, Orban found his second vacation spot, the Atacama Plateau. A spot known for the clearest air and the highest recorded UV index... he makes sure to pack sunscreen. As a seasoned meteorological observer of the Romanian Meteorological Administration he has a trained eye for finding weather extremes. His research is planned for 6 - 7 days of continuous measurement with a data logger and temperature sensor housed inside a helical radiation shield donated by BARANI DESIGN Technologies. Other supporting sensors will include a meteorological alcohol thermometer and digital precision thermometer. 

He is aware of the dangers that lie ahead. "I will travel alone, unsupported. Some of the days I will sleep outside, nearby my small meteo station at over 5,000 m, therefore it needs good planning and proper acclimatization. I will take with me mainly dry foods and thermoses for keeping the water liquid in the freezing nights. Very few animals are living in this high desert ecosystem, it means predator attacks are unlikely. The lack of water and oxygen will be the main difficulties, the cold and the UV only secondary, as those can be fenced off by proper clothing/ sheltering."

More details about Orban Zsombor's quest to find earth's climate extremes can be found on his blog website: The Exiled Weatherman

Can new technologies make urban weather stations accurate?

While accurate meteorological measurement in an urban environment was until now practically impossible, a new technology promises change that. 

MeteoHelix® is a new type of weather station based on a patented helical solar shield design which forms a continuous helix. The manufacturer, BARANI DESIGN Technologies, claims to have achieved the never before possible combination of unobstructed airflow to the internal sensors while simultaneously providing 360-degree protection from reflected light and radiating heat from nearby walls.

Independently verified, the helical shape delivers the most accurate air temperature measurement available without fan assisted airflow in a solar shield. In testing involving strong light reflections from the ground, it proved to be more accurate than many fan-aspirated radiation shields. 

METEOMET set to reduce uncertainty from global warming measurement

An international scientific project called METEOMET is focused on improving measurement methods of our environment. In the field of meteorology, its goal is to standardize measurement methods worldwide so as to improve measurement consistency, accuracy, precision for improved meteorological data quality. With global warming on our doorstep, only a unified approach to the measurement of parameters like air temperature can lead to consistent conclusions on its worldwide effects.

BARANI DESIGN is proud to be able to participate in the project by supplying sensors for research purposes. Solar radiation shields, temperature sensors and wind sensors were supplied to support this important research. One of METEOMET's studies involved evaluating the effects of reflected solar radiation (albedo) on air temperature measurement in winter conditions on snow covered fields. The effect of this albedo was quantified and methodology for quantifying its effects on sensor systems will be proposed. Two sets of sensors were used to quantify solar heating due to reflected sun light at the foot of the Italian Alps.  One set was mounted above a snow covered field and snow under the other sensor set was removed to expose grass and ground which limit the amount of reflected solar radiation. Data from the sensor sets was compared and analyzed. Results will be published in the upcoming months. 

For more information, visit to METEOMET web site.