The Hydrostatic Equation in the Evaluation Algorithm for Radiosonde Data

Hans Richner Institute for Atmospheric Science, ETH-Hönggerberg, Zürich, Switzerland

Search for other papers by Hans Richner in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
and
Pierre Viatte Swiss Meteorological Institute, Aerological Station, Payerne, Switzerland

Search for other papers by Pierre Viatte in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Full access

We are aware of a technical issue preventing figures and tables from showing in some newly published articles in the full-text HTML view.
While we are resolving the problem, please use the online PDF version of these articles to view figures and tables.

Abstract

In upper-air observations, height data are normally computed from pressure and virtual temperature by resort of the hydrostatic equation. Errors in the primary variables affect the accuracy of height data depending on how the integration of the hydrostatic equation is carded out. Based on simulated ascents in a standard atmosphere, the effects of pressure and temperature errors on the accuracy of height data are for three different integration schemes. Actual data from an intercomparison flight are also used to demonstrate that the effects of differences in the observation data can be minimized by using an indirect integration algorithm.

The information presented here is not new. However, it seems that none of the operational weather services applies the procedure that maximally inhibits error propagation. By using the slightly more sophisticated indirect integration method, errors associated with height data for pressure levels in the troposphere could roughly be cut in half.

Abstract

In upper-air observations, height data are normally computed from pressure and virtual temperature by resort of the hydrostatic equation. Errors in the primary variables affect the accuracy of height data depending on how the integration of the hydrostatic equation is carded out. Based on simulated ascents in a standard atmosphere, the effects of pressure and temperature errors on the accuracy of height data are for three different integration schemes. Actual data from an intercomparison flight are also used to demonstrate that the effects of differences in the observation data can be minimized by using an indirect integration algorithm.

The information presented here is not new. However, it seems that none of the operational weather services applies the procedure that maximally inhibits error propagation. By using the slightly more sophisticated indirect integration method, errors associated with height data for pressure levels in the troposphere could roughly be cut in half.

Save