I just finished several days of data compilation and cross checking in preparation for release of the first set of numbers from my www.surfacestations.org project.
One of the things I’m doing is looking at what kind of equipment is used and how widely distributed it is. Here are some numbers that illustrate the makeup of the USHCN network of 1221 weather stations:
| NIMBUS | 196 |
| MMTS | 674 |
| CRS w/ MAX-MIN | 251 |
| ASOS HYGROTHERM | 64 |
| THERMOGRAPH | 5 |
| OTHER NS EQUIP | 19 |
| UNKNOWN | 12 |
| Total: | 1221 |
Source Data: NCDC MMS
Note that the vast majority of the temperature sensors are now the MMTS / Nimbus electronic type, comprising 71% combined, with the older Cotton Region Shelter and Mercury MAX-MIN Thermometers comprising only 21% of the network now. ASOS systems mostly at airports comprise 64 stations, or 5%. There are 19 official climate stations where nonstandard consumer level equipment has been substituted, comprising 2% of the network.
This is an important thing to know, keep it in mind becuase it goes hand in hand with the upcoming station site quality analysis based on 25% of the total network that has been surveyed.
Recent Comments