Sections

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

GPS Advanced Upper-Air Sounding System (GAUS)

Preparing for balloon launch

Weather balloons with instrument packages attached have been a mainstay of atmospheric observing since the 1930s. The instruments measure temperature, pressure, and humidity at frequent intervals as they rise, and the readings are sent via radio to a control center. The location of the instrument package can be monitored by a Global Positioning System (GPS), which enables the wind speed and direction at each height to be inferred.

The weather balloon the earliest method used to take measurements high up the the atmosphere.

GAUS is a balloon-borne rawinsonde system.  Through GPS technology, the GAUS measures high vertical resolution of temperature, humidity and winds at locations around the world. Each system includes a meteorological observing station to record thermodynamic data at the surface and the infrastructure to provide local data processing, display and communications. Data from GAUS can be transferred by phone, Internet or the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) to scientists at universities, other research institutions and operational weather centers. Mobile GAUS (MGAUS) is used by scientists to investigate rapidly moving or targeted phenomenon.

Document Actions
Field Projects
Staff Profile

José Meitín

José Meitín As a field project coordinator, it's not enough for José Meitín to understand complex scientific concepts and know how to use cutting-edge instruments. He also needs a flair for foreign diplomacy, proficiency in several languages, and a capacity for great patience when dealing with customs officials.

Britt Stephens

Britt Stephens became fascinated with Earth sciences during high school field trips in northeastern Oregon, where he grew up. When he started college at Harvard University, he was determined to branch out into new subjects.

Henry Boynton

Henry Boynton can tell you what the atmosphere looks like at 51,000 feet above Earth's surface, a good 15,000 feet higher than most commercial airplanes venture. "The biggest thing you notice is that the sky is a lot bluer," he observes.

 

Marcel Verstraete

When Marcel Verstraete came to work at NCAR in May 1962, construction of the Mesa Lab was still years in the future. Scientists used slide rules instead of computers. And because there were no satellites to carry instruments, a major goal...

 

José Meitín

José Meitín As a field project coordinator, it's not enough for José Meitín to understand complex scientific concepts and know how to use cutting-edge instruments. He also needs a flair for foreign diplomacy, proficiency in several languages, and a capacity for great patience when dealing with customs officials.