Extended Abstract (72K)1.3
The effects of condensation on the outside wall of a Geonor precipitation gauge
Alisa Holley, NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC, Asheville, NC; and M. E. Hall
The United States Climate Reference Network (USCRN) uses a Geonor vibrating-wire weighing-bucket precipitation gauge. To test the accuracy of this gauge under varying atmospheric conditions, test bed sites in Sterling, VA and Johnstown, PA have been maintained. This study examines the effect that condensation may have on the output of the Geonor when no precipitation is reported and is considered to be a false report. In analyzing the frequency of false reports from data at the test bed sites it has become necessary to investigate the effect atmospheric conditions at or below dewpoint temperatures has on the precipitation gauge. Study suggests that condensation occurs on the outside wall of the weighing bucket potentially augmenting the precipitation measurement. Our investigation will specifically address the frequency of false reports, the characteristics of the atmospheric conditions that cause each false report, validation of our condensation hypothesis, and quality control processes that will produce a more accurate measurement. We believe this study will be very useful for other meteorological or environmental monitoring networks that also utilize a weighing bucket precipitation gauge.
Session 1, Hydrological Measurements
Monday, 15 January 2007, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM, 207A
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