Investigating the atmosphere with data obtained by radiosondes

Abstract In this work we present a proposal to investigate the behavior of atmospheric pressure and air temperature with altitude using data from a radiosonde launched by an Upper-air Meteorological Station. Radiosondes, atmospheric sensors transported by balloons, are launched daily to measure pressure, temperature, humidity and wind data at various levels of the atmosphere. In this activity, the teacher has the opportunity to discuss with students various aspects of the atmospheric behavior at altitude. We present two application examples using data from a radiosonde launched at the Upper-air Meteorological Station of Galeão (Rio de Janeiro). Such data can be collected through software-defined radio (RTL-SDR), easy to acquire and configure, or through free-access meteorological sites.

摘要 本研究提出一套研究方案，借助高空气象站发射的无线电探空仪（radiosonde）观测数据，探究大气压强与气温随海拔高度的变化规律。无线电探空仪是由气球搭载的大气探测传感器，通常每日发射升空，用于测量不同高度大气层内的气压、气温、相对湿度与风场数据。在该教学活动中，教师可与学生就大气特性随高度变化的多个维度展开探讨。本研究还给出两个基于里约热内卢盖列昂高空气象站发射的无线电探空仪数据的应用实例。此类观测数据可通过易于获取与配置的软件定义无线电（software-defined radio, RTL-SDR）采集，亦可通过免费开放的气象站点获取。