MODELE NIV2 – AVEC GALERY

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Why do we need ship-based radiosonde observations ?

E-ASAP (EUMETNET Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme) manages weather balloon observations (so-called radiosoundings) to provide vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind across the North Atlantic. Together with observations from ascending and descending aircraft, there are sufficient radiosonde stations across Europe. However, the North Atlantic also plays an essential role in the weather in Europe, and radiosoundings from this data-sparse ocean region help to improve our forecasts. Radiosoundings are also required to calibrate satellite observations over the sea. Therefore, the purpose of E-ASAP is to fill the data gap between Europe and North America by performing radiosoundings from the ships in the North Atlantic.

How does it work ?

The E-ASAP stations on board the ships are managed by the EUMETNET Members DWD (Germany), Météo France (France), DMI (Denmark), and AEMET (Spain). The coordinating National Meteorological Service is in charge of providing supplies (radiosondes, balloons, helium, etc.) and technical maintenance. Most of the participating 16 ships are merchant container vessels in transatlantic service whose crews volunteer to regularly launch weather balloons. After preparing the radiosonde on the bridge and inflating the balloon on deck, they attach the sonde to the balloon and release both into the air. Transmission of the data from the flying sonde to the receiver on board and further transmission by satellite from ship to shore is fully automated. The Meteorological Service that receives the data then forwards it to the GTS (Global Telecommunication System), and through this, it becomes available to all National Meteorological Services worldwide.

Who’s in charge ?

The National Meteorological Service of Germany (DWD) is the Coordinating Member for E-ASAP. The Programme Manager is Mr Rudolf Krockauer (rudolf.krockauer[at]dwd-de).

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