AIM: How scientists collect data about the upper atmosphere
1. Today, weather data collection is computerized and automated.
Computers allow meteorologists to quickly solve complex mathematical
equations, making accurate forecasting possible.
2. Weather balloons, released at ground level, float high into the
atmosphere twice daily around the world. Weather balloons contain
sensors and radio transmitters that broadcast weather data back to
ground stations.
3. It is important that people around the world release weather balloons
at the same time so all the data gathered will give a picture of weather
around the world at the same instant.
4. Doppler radar allows meteorologists to track the movement of
precipitation and winds within a storm to better predict the movement
of storms and outbreaks of severe weather.
5. Weather satellites help gather data such as movement of water
vapor and ocean temperatures from around the world. This world view is
needed by meteorologists because weather is determined by worldwide
patterns.
6. A geostationary satellite is a satellite that is fixed over a certain
area of Earth.