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doi: 10.1175/1520-0477(1983)064<0004:SP>2.0.CO;2pmid: N/A
Multi-wavelength sun photometry has been a subject of interest in meteorology for two and a half centuries. The technique provides a quantitative index that relates to total suspended aerosol in the atmospheric air column above the observer; this aerosol changes continually in the atmosphere in response to many complicated physical processes. When used in conjunction with other aerosol and meteorological measurements, sun photometry has the capability of delineating characteristic features of different air masses and the aerosol sources that affect them.This paper traces some of the early history of sun photometry and discusses a simple but modern filter wheel sun photometer and several sources of systematic error that have to be reckoned with. We provide examples of aerosol optical extinction spectra acquired at remote and pollution-prone stations with a simple and portable sun photometer.
Murphy, Allan H.; Brown, Barbara G.
doi: 10.1175/1520-0477-64.1.13pmid: N/A
Worded forecasts, which generally consist of both verbal and numerical expressions, play an important role in the communication of weather information to the general public. However, relatively few studies of the composition and interpretation of such forecasts have been conducted. Moreover, the studies that have been undertaken to date indicate that many expressions currently used in public forecasts are subject to wide ranges of interpretation (and to misinterpretation) and that the ability of individuals to recall the content of worded forecasts is quite limited. This paper focuses on forecast terminology and the understanding of such terminology in the context of short-range public weather forecasts.The results of previous studies of forecast terminology (and related issues) are summarized with respect to six basic aspects or facets of worded forecasts. These facets include: 1) events (the values of the meteorological variables): 2) terminology (the words used to describe the events); 3) words versus numbers (the use of verbal and/or numerical expressions); 4) uncertainty (the mode of expression of uncertainty); 5) amount of information (the number of items of information); and 6) content and format (the selection of items of information and their placement). In addition, some related topics are treated briefly, including the impact of verification systems, the role of computer-worded forecasts, the implications of new modes of communication, and the use of weather forecasts.Some conclusions and inferences that can be drawn from this review of previous work are discussed briefly, and a set of recommendations are presented regarding steps that should be taken to raise the level of understanding and enhance the usefulness of worded forecasts. These recommendations are organized under four headings: 1) studies of public understanding, interpretation, and use; 2) management practices; 3) forecaster training and education; and 4) public education.
Vincent, Dayton G.; Homan, Jeffrey H.
doi: 10.1175/1520-0477-64.1.23pmid: N/A
A mesoscale analysis of hourly surface data of pressure and precipitation is presented for the case of 1011 April, during AVE-SESAME 1979. Barograph traces also are used in the analysis. Three distinct pressure waves traveling northeastward across Oklahoma and Missouri are found to be well correlated with thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall amounts. Wave speeds appeared to propagate at approximately 25 m s1 and to have amplitudes ranging from 2 to 6 mb. The average time elapsed between successive wave passages at a particular station was 4 h. A ridge of high pressure passed a station about one hour after heavy precipitation had occurred.
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