The Precision and Accuracy of the Temperature Measurements for the Climate Reference Network

Field tests have been conducted to determine the precision of the temperature sensors for use by the Climate Reference Network (CRN) in different ventilated radiation shields. These tests include the additional measurements of solar radiation, surface temperature, and wind speed. The tests were conducted over a non-absorbing highly reflective surface in Oak Ridge, TN, a grassy area in Asheville, NC, and a flat field in Bondville, IL. Preliminary results for this prototype configuration indicate that the precision between sensors in the same shield under well mixed and stable atmospheric conditions is on the order of 0.1 deg. C. We will also provide results of system bias and precision when all three systems are intercompared.