An instrument used for the measurement of the reflecting, power (the albedo) of a surface. A pyranometer adapted for the measurement of radiation reflected from the earth's surface is sometimes employed as an albedometer.

An instrument which determines the black-body temperature of a substance by measuring its thermal radiation.

See constant-level balloon.

Electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength than visible radiation but longer than x-rays, between 0.02 and 0.4 micron (200 and 4000 angstrom).

General name for an instrument which measures the earth's magnetic field intensity.

A type of disk hardness-gauge, especially useful in relatively soft snow. See disk hardness gauge.

Downward-facing pyranometer used for measuring reflected solar radiation.

A hypothetical, ideal body which absorbs completely all incident radiation. independent of wavelength and direction. No actual substance behaves as a true black body, although platinum black and other soots rather closely approximate this ideal. However, ...

Anemometer which measures wind speed by measuring the degree of cooling of a metal film heated by an electric current. A type of cooling-power anemometer.

The humidity transducinu element in a Diamond-Hinman radiosonde. Also called electrolytic strip.

A rain gauge which is placed under trees or foliage to determine the rainfall in that location. By comparing this catch with that from a rain gauge set in the open. the amount of rainfall which has been intercepted by foliage can be determined.

The smallest change in the environment that causes detectable change in the indication of an instrument. Compare to sensitivity.

The study of waters (including oceans, lakes, and rivers) embracing either: (a) their physical characteristics, from the standpoint of the oceanographer or limnologist; or (b) the elements affecting safe navigation, from the point of view of the mariner. ...

In nautical terminology, a contraction for "weather glass" (a mercury barometer).

A direct-vision nephoscope constructed in the following manner: A grid-work of bars is mounted horizontally on the end of a vertical column and made free to rotate about the vertical axis. The observer rotates the grid and adjusts his or her position unti ...

A measure, proposed by Angstrom, of the precipitation effectiveness of a region.

The ratios, to the mean wind speed, of the average magnitudes of the component fluctuations of the wind along three mutually perpendicular axes.

The scientific study of the waters of the earth, especially with relation to the effects of precipitation and evaporation upon the occurrence and character of water in streams, lakes, and on or below the land surface. In terms of the hydrologic cycle, the ...

Precipitation composed of balls or irregular lumps of ice with diameters between 5 and 50 mm.

A class of instruments employed to determine the electric potential at a point in the atmosphere, and ultimately the atmospheric electric field.