Newsletter Signup
Where current and emerging technology trends meet.
TecTrendsInformation Sources, Inc.
  | About TecTrends | Email Signup | Contact Us
 Live Search:
Live Search | Articles | Companies | TecTerms | Products
  Loading TecTrends Live Search - please wait... 
View Noteworthy Articles      PRNewswire
 
Article

Title: Weather balloon may vanish into the recent past

Author: Bridis, Ted Article Type: Product Analysis
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, pA2(1) Publication Date: Oct 30, 2006
  Illustrations: Photographs
URL of Publication: http://www.sfgate.com

Twice a day, in 92 locations throughout the United States, weather balloons carrying forecasting equipment are sent 19 miles into the sky. This activity is part of a 60-year-old effort to forecast where storms will occur. However, the operation could end if network of high-technology sensors installed on some passenger plans is successful. The network is a $20 million experiment that could improve weather forecasting in a dramatic way. The new sensors measure weather conditions every few seconds as the planes fly. Early testing with NASA and the National Weather Service indicated that the sensors provide more accurate information and are better at forecasting serious storms like tornados. According to Rich Mamrosh, government meteorologist, significant improvements in forecasting have already been noted as a result of the sensor data. The Bush administration has yet to decide whether to pay for the complete system, which is known as Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR). The future of the system depends on how successfully AirDat LLC can pitch the idea to government and business. The sensors are about the size of a lunch box, and they are located near the nose of a plane. They measure airborne moisture and other conditions. Proponents of the system believe they are capable of preventing plane crashes by detecting ice build-up on wings as well.

Special Features: Photographs

Companies:
AirDat LLC

Products:
Weather Forecasting

TecTerms:


[Get Copyright Permissions] Click here for copyright permissions!
Copyright 2004-2008 Information Sources Inc.
 


Home About TecTrends About Us Contact Us Privacy Statement Terms and Conditions

TecTrends | P.O. Box 8120 | Berkeley CA 94707 | (510) 525-6220 | Email: tectrends@tectrends.com
© 2006 INFORMATION SOURCES INC | All rights reserved.