**National Climatic Data Center**

**DATA DOCUMENTATION**

**FOR**

**DATASET 6207 (DSI-6207)**

**MICROARTS Upper Air Data**

**December 16, 2003**

National Climatic Data Center

151 Patton Ave.

Asheville, NC 28801-5001 USA

**Table of Contents**

[Topic Page Number]{.underline}

1\.
Abstract\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...
3

2\. Element Names and Definitions**:**
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3\. Start
Date\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\... 10

4\. Stop
Date\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 10

5\.
Coverage\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
10

6\. How to order
data\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 10

7\. Archiving Data Center.
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8\. Technical
Contact\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\..... 10

9\. Known Uncorrected Problems\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
11

10\. Quality
Statement\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.... 11

11\. Essential Companion Data Sets\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\....
11

12\.
References\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\...\.....
11

**1. [Abstract]{.underline}:** This is a historical dataset provided by
The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Each file contains both an ID
record and a data record. The ID record contains information on station
location**,** date and time of release. Both the hour of observation and
the actual time of release (hour and minute) are entered. The hour of
observation allows observations to be readily assigned for synoptic
analyses and for ease of selection of specific synoptic hours for users.
For synoptic hours (H = 00, 06, 12, 18) the hour of observation will be
H whenever the actual release time is H-30 to H+29 (e.g., the synoptic
hour will be 12 when the actual release is from 1130 to 1229 UTC). For
regular synoptic observations the actual release should occur as close
as possible to H-30. For non-synoptic hours, the hour of observation
will be the nearest whole hour, H-30 to H+29 (e.g., enter 10 when the
actual release is from 0930 to 1029 UTC). Flight and equipment
information are entered in the ID record and include ascension number,
observer initials, type of radiosonde, baroswitch or radiosonde serial
number and manufacturer, types of sensing elements, balloon weight, age
and manufacturer, reason for flight termination, the number of times the
flight was recomputed and the version of software used to reduce the
data. The number of recomputes informs the NWS management of potential
problems with data reduction and communications software. Sky condition,
present weather, surface wind and type of corrections applied to data
elements are also recorded in the ID record.

The data record is repeated for each level of the clouding and contains
the ascension number and the elapsed time since release in minutes and
seconds. The elapsed time is used for such purposes as micro-scale
research projects, to provide more accurate ground truth for satellite
data, and to compute balloon ascension rates used in the data editing
process. The data record also contains pressure, height, relative
humidity, dew-point depression, and wind speed and direction. The record
contains an indicator specifying the reason for selection of the level
such as the level being significant, mandatory, the end of missing or
doubtful strata, wind data only, etc. A signal quality flag and as
element quality flag are provided for each element to indicate system
performance and automated or manual quality control performed at the
station. When agencies require that wind data be observed at specific
intervals during the flight (1-minute, .5-minute, 1000 ft., etc.), wind
data are entered in the data record according to elapsed time and
interpolated height and pressure. If the wind data elapsed time does not
correspond to a thermodynamic elapsed time, the temperature and humidity
data elements are 9 filled for that particular record.

**2. [Element Names and Definitions]{.underline}:**

**ID Record**

+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| **     | **Element      | **Code Definitions and Remarks**           |
| Record | Name**         |                                            |
| Posi   |                |                                            |
| tion** |                |                                            |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Station Number | This field contains an indicator           |
|        | Indicator      | specifying the type of station number in   |
|        |                | the next field:                            |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 0 = WBAN number                            |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 1 = WMO number                             |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 2 = Air Force Augmented WMO number.        |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 3 = Ship Call Sign                         |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 4 = Mobile Unit Call Sign.                 |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 2-9    | Station Number | The number assigned to the station         |
|        |                | according to the numbering system          |
|        |                | specified in record position 1. Numbers    |
|        |                | should be right justified, ship Call signs |
|        |                | left justified. NWS stations must enter    |
|        |                | WBAN number. If the number is missing,     |
|        |                | enter 00000000.                            |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 10-14  | Latitude       | The station latitude in degrees and        |
|        |                | minutes. The last character is "N" or "s"  |
|        |                | as appropriate. When unknown, this field   |
|        |                | contains "9999N".                          |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 15-20  | Longitude      | The station longitude in degrees and       |
|        |                | minutes. The last character is "E" or "W"  |
|        |                | as appropriate. When unknown, this field   |
|        |                | contains "99999E"                          |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 21-24  | Elevation      | The height of the launch site in whole     |
|        |                | meters.                                    |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 25-28  | Year           | The 4 digit year expressed at the hour of  |
|        |                | observation.                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 29-30  | Month          | The numeric month expressed at the hour of |
|        |                | observation.                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 31-32  | Day            | The numeric day expressed at the hour of   |
|        |                | observation.                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 33-34  | Hour           | The hour (24-hour clock) of observation.   |
|        |                | For synoptic hours (H=00, 06, 12, 18) the  |
|        |                | hour of observation will be H whenever the |
|        |                | actual release time is H-30 to H+29. For   |
|        |                | example, the synoptic hour will be entered |
|        |                | as 12 when the actual release is from 1130 |
|        |                | to 1229 UTC. For regular synoptic          |
|        |                | observations the actual release should     |
|        |                | occur as close as possible to H-30. For    |
|        |                | non-synoptic hours, the hour of            |
|        |                | observation will be the nearest whole      |
|        |                | hour, H-30 to H+29 (e.g. the hour is       |
|        |                | entered as 10 when release is 0930 to 1029 |
|        |                | UTC).                                      |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 35-38  | Release Time   | The hour and minute UTC (24-hour clock) of |
|        |                | the actual release time.                   |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 39-42  | Ascension      | The ascension number for the year. The     |
|        | Number         | first release on or after Jan 1 will be    |
|        |                | numbered 0001.                             |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 43-46  | Observer       | The initials of the first and last name of |
|        | Initials       | the observer.                              |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 47-49  | Data Reduction | The type of data reduction system used at  |
|        | System         | the site.                                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = Manual                               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = Time series                          |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = Nova mini computer                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 004 = Mini-art                             |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 005 = Micro-art                            |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 006 = Class                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 007 = Marwin, MRS                          |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 008 = MSS                                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 009 = LAMS                                 |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 010 = ASAP                                 |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 011 = MV 7800                              |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 50-52  | Sonde          | The manufacturer of the Sonde in use.      |
|        | Manufacturer   |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = VIZ                                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = Vaisala                              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = Spacedata                            |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 004 = Air                                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 005 = Atear                                |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 53-55  | Sonde Type     | The type of Sonde used at the station.     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = VIZ J031                             |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = VIZ ACCU-LOC                         |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = VIZ A                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 004 = VIZ B                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 005 = VIZ MSS                              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 006 = VAISALA                              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 007 = Spacedata-Transponder                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 008 = Spacedata-Artsonde                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 009 = Spacedata-MSS                        |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 010 = VIZ B -- Tansponder                  |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 56     | So             | An indicator specifying the type of number |
|        | nde/Baroswitch | in the next field.                         |
|        |                |                                            |
|        | Number         | 0 = Sonde serial number                    |
|        | Indicator      |                                            |
|        |                | 1 = Baroswitch number                      |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 57-76  | So             | The sonde serial number or the Baroswitch  |
|        | nde/Baroswitch | number right justified in the field.       |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 77-79  | Humidity Type  | Type of humidity element used in the       |
|        |                | system.                                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = Lithium Chloride Hygrister           |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = 1960's Carbon Hygristor              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = 1980's Carbon Hygrister              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 004 = HUMICAP                              |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 80-82  | Temperature    | Type of temperature element used in the    |
|        | Type           | system.                                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = Rod Thermistor                       |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = Bead Thermistor                      |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = Chip Thermistor                      |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 83-85  | Pressure Type  | Type of pressure element used in the       |
|        |                | system.                                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = Baroswitch                           |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = Transducer -- oven controlled        |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = Transducer -- non-oven controlled    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 004 = Derived (Transponder)                |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 86-88  | Tracking Type  | The type of tracking system.               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = 72-2                                 |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = SCR-658                              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = WBRT-57                              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 004 = WBRT-60                              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 005 = GMD-1                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 006 = GMD-1A                               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 007 = GMD-1B                               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 008 = GMD-5                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 009 = OMEGA                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 010 = LORAN                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 011 = ART-1                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 012 = ART-1A                               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 013 = ART-2                                |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 014 = ART-2A                               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 015 = MDS                                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 016 = MSS RANGING                          |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 89     | Transponder    | Is a transponder used?                     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 0 = No                                     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 1 = Yes                                    |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 90-92  | Balloon        | The manufacturer of the balloon.           |
|        | Manufacturer   |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = KAYSAM                               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = Weathertronics                       |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 =                                      |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 93-96  | Balloon Weight | Nominal weight of the balloon in grams.    |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 97-98  | Balloon Age    | Age of the balloon in months.              |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 99     | Train          | Was a train regulator used?                |
|        | Regulator      |                                            |
|        |                | 0 = No                                     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 1 = Yes                                    |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 100    | PIBAL Light    | Was a PIBAL light used?                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 0 = No                                     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 1 = Yes                                    |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 101    | PIBAL Type     | PIBAL wind equipment type according to WMO |
|        |                | Code Table 0265.                           |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 0 = Pressure instrument associated with    |
|        |                | wind-measuring equipment.                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 1 = Optical theodolite                     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 2 = Radio thedolite                        |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 3 = Radar                                  |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Reason for     | Reason for termination of the flight.      |
| 02-103 | Termination    |                                            |
|        |                | 01 = Balloon burst                         |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 02 = Balloon forced down by icing          |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 03 = Leaking or floating balloon           |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 04 = Weak or fading signal                 |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 05 = Battery failure                       |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 06 = Ground equipment                      |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 07 = Switching failure                     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 08 = Radiosonde failure                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 09 = Other                                 |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 104    | Recomputes     | The number of times this flight has been   |
|        |                | recomputed.                                |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Clouds and     | The observation of the clouds and weather  |
| 05-113 | Weather        | at the time of release. The field is of    |
|        |                | the form NhClhCmChWWWW, where:             |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | Nh = The amount of low or mid-level clouds |
|        |                | present according to WMO Code Table 2700.  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 0 = 0 okta (tenths)                        |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 1 = 1 okta (1/10) or less, but not zero    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 2 = 2 oktas (2/10-3/10)                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 3 = 3 oktas (4/10)                         |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 4 = 4 oktas (5/10)                         |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 5 = 5 oktas (6/10)                         |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 6 = 6 oktas (7/10-8/10)                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 7 = 7 oktas (9/10) or more, but not        |
|        |                | overcast                                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 8 = 8 oktas (10/10)                        |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 9 = Sky is obscured by fog and/or other    |
|        |                | meteorological phenomena                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | -   = Cloud cover is indiscernible for     |
|        |                |     reason other than "9" or observation   |
|        |                |     not made. The WMO code figure "/" must |
|        |                |     be converted to "-".                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | Cl,Cm,Ch = The cloud type according to WMO |
|        |                | Code Tables 0509, 0513, and 0515. Code     |
|        |                | figure "/" must be converted to "-".       |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | h = WMO Code Table 1600 for the height     |
|        |                | above ground of the base of the lowest     |
|        |                | cloud seen. Code figure "/" must be        |
|        |                | converted to "-".                          |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | WW = Present weather according to WMO Code |
|        |                | Table 4677. Up to two types of present     |
|        |                | weather or obscurations may be entered.    |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Surface Wind   | The direction of the surface wind at the   |
| 14-116 | Direction      | time of release in whole degrees.          |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Surface Wind   | The speed of the surface wind at time of   |
| 17-119 | Speed          | release in meters per second to the        |
|        |                | nearest 0.1 meter per second. Don not      |
|        |                | enter the decimal point;                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 12.3 meters per second = 123               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Wind Averaging | The interval of time or height over which  |
| 20-122 | Interval       | the wind is derived.                       |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 000 = None (instantaneous)                 |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 001 = 2 MIN to 14 km (MSL), 4 MIN above 14 |
|        |                | km (MSL). (Pre-1990 FHM Standard, NWS)     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 002 = Post-1989 FHM Standard               |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 003 = 20 seconds to 15K ft., 60 seconds    |
|        |                | above 15K ft.                              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 004 =                                      |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 005 =                                      |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Type of        | The type of correction applied to          |
| 23-134 | Correction     | individual data elements by automated      |
|        |                | systems of observers.                      |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Pressure       | 00 = No correction applied                 |
| 23-124 | Corrections    |                                            |
|        |                | 01 = NASA temperature correction           |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 02 = EMCWF temperature correction          |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 99 = Unknown                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Height         | 00 = No correction applied                 |
| 25-126 | Corrections    |                                            |
|        |                | 01 = Local gravity correction              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 02 = Standard gravity correction           |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 99 = Unknown                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Temperature    | 00 = NO correction applied                 |
| 27-128 | Corrections    |                                            |
|        |                | 01 = NASA radiation correction             |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 02 = EMCWF radiation correction            |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 03 = NMC radiation correction              |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 11 = NASA lag correction                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 12 = EMCWF lag correction                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 13 = NMC lag correction                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 21 = NASA radiation and lag correction     |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 22 = EMCWF radiation and lag correction    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 23 = NMC radiation and lag correction      |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 99 = Unknown                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Humidity       | 00 = No corrections applied                |
| 29-130 | Corrections    |                                            |
|        |                | 01 = NASA lag correction                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 02 = EMCWF lag correction                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 03 = NMC lag correction                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 99 = Unknown                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Dew Point      | 00 = No correction applied                 |
| 31-132 | Corrections    |                                            |
|        |                | 01 = NASA lag correction                   |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 02 = EMCWF lag correction                  |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 03 = NMC lag correction                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 99 = Unknown                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Wind           | 00 = No correction applied                 |
| 33-134 | Corrections    |                                            |
|        |                | 01 = Elevation angle correction            |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 02 = Ranging correction                    |
|        |                |                                            |
|        |                | 99 = Unknown                               |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| Note:  |                |                                            |
| At     |                |                                            |
| this   |                |                                            |
| wr     |                |                                            |
| iting, |                |                                            |
| the    |                |                                            |
| types  |                |                                            |
| of     |                |                                            |
| corre  |                |                                            |
| ctions |                |                                            |
| which  |                |                                            |
| may be |                |                                            |
| a      |                |                                            |
| pplied |                |                                            |
| to the |                |                                            |
| data   |                |                                            |
| have   |                |                                            |
| not    |                |                                            |
| been   |                |                                            |
| deter  |                |                                            |
| mined. |                |                                            |
| Input  |                |                                            |
| from   |                |                                            |
| v      |                |                                            |
| arious |                |                                            |
| ag     |                |                                            |
| encies |                |                                            |
| will   |                |                                            |
| be     |                |                                            |
| used   |                |                                            |
| to     |                |                                            |
| d      |                |                                            |
| evelop |                |                                            |
| i      |                |                                            |
| nitial |                |                                            |
| codes  |                |                                            |
| and    |                |                                            |
| corr   |                |                                            |
| ection |                |                                            |
| types. |                |                                            |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Software       | The version of software in use with the    |
| 35-144 | Version        | specified recording system.                |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+
| 1      | Reserved Field | Leave Blank                                |
| 45-160 |                |                                            |
+--------+----------------+--------------------------------------------+

**Data Record**

+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| Record   | Element Name      | Code Definitions and Remarks         |
| Position |                   |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 1        | Station Number    | 0 = WBAN Number                      |
|          | Indicator         |                                      |
|          |                   | 1 = WMO Number                       |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 2 = Sir Force Augmented WMO Number   |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 3 = Ship Call Sign                   |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 4 = Mobile Unit Call Sign            |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 2-9      | Station Number    | Number are right justified, letters  |
|          |                   | are left justified. Missing numbers  |
|          |                   | = '00000000'.                        |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 10-19    | Date/Time         | The time of the observation (24-hour |
|          |                   | clock) UTC.                          |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | Form = YYYYMMDDHH                    |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 20-23    | Release Time      | The hour and minute UTC (24 hr       |
|          |                   | clock) of the actual release time.   |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 24-27    | Ascension Number  | The ascension number for the year.   |
|          |                   | The first release on or after Jan 1  |
|          |                   | will be numbered 0001.               |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 28-32    | Elapsed Time      | The time in minutes and seconds      |
|          |                   | (mmss) since the actual release      |
|          |                   | time.                                |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 33-38    | Pressure          | Atmospheric pressure at the current  |
|          |                   | level in hundredths of hectopascals  |
|          |                   | (0.01 millibars).                    |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 39-43    | Height            | Geopotential height of the pressure  |
|          |                   | level in whole geopotential meters   |
|          |                   | (MSL).                               |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 44-47    | Temperature       | Dry-bulb temperature to the nearest  |
|          |                   | 0.1 degree Celsius.                  |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 48-51    | Relative Humidity | The relative humidity to the nearest |
|          |                   | 0.1 percent.                         |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 52-54    | Dew Point         | The dew-point depression to the      |
|          | Depression        | nearest 0.1 degree Celsius.          |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 55-57    | Wind Direction    | The wind direction to the nearest    |
|          |                   | whole degree.                        |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 58-61    | Wind Speed        | Wind speed to the nearest 0.1 meter  |
|          |                   | per second.                          |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 62-63    | Type of Level     | The reason for selection of the      |
|          |                   | level:                               |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 00 = High resolution data sample     |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 01 = Within 20 hecotpascals          |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 02 = Pressure less than 10           |
|          |                   | hectopascals (mb)                    |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 03 = Base pressure level for         |
|          |                   | stability index                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 04 = Begin doubtful temperature,     |
|          |                   | altitude data                        |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 05 = Begin missing data (all         |
|          |                   | elements)                            |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 06 = Begin missing relative humidity |
|          |                   | data                                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 07 = Begin missing temperature data  |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 08 = Highest level reached before    |
|          |                   | balloon descent because of icing or  |
|          |                   | turbulence                           |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 09 = end doubtful temperature,       |
|          |                   | altitude data                        |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 10 = End missing data (all elements) |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 11 = End missing relative humidity   |
|          |                   | data                                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 12 = End missing temperature data    |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 13 = Zero degree crossing for the    |
|          |                   | RADAT                                |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 14 = Mandatory pressure level        |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 15 = Operator added level            |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 16 = Operator deleted level          |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 17 = Balloon re-ascended beyond      |
|          |                   | precious highest level               |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 18 = Significant relative humidity   |
|          |                   | level                                |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 19 = Relative humidity level         |
|          |                   | selection terminated                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 20 = Surface level                   |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 21 = Significant temperature level   |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 22 = Mandatory temperature level     |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 23 = Flight termination level        |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 24 = Tropopause                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 25 = Aircraft report                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 26 = Interpolated (generated) level  |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 27 = Mandatory wind level            |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 28 = Significant wind level          |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 29 = Maximum wind level              |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 30 = Incremental wind level (e.g.,   |
|          |                   | 1-minute, fixed regional)            |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 64-66    | Signal Quality    | Signal quality for the element       |
|          |                   | expressed as a percentage of         |
|          | (pressure)        | individual samples accepted.         |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 67-69    | Signal Quality    |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (temperature)     |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 70-72    | Signal Quality    |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (humidity)        |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 73-75    | Signal Quality    |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (dew-point        |                                      |
|          | temperature)      |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 76-77    | Element Quality   | These fields contain the results of  |
|          | Flags             | any quality control procedures for   |
|          |                   | identifying suspect and doubtful     |
|          | (Elapsed Time)    | individual elements:                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 00 = Element is correct              |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 01 = Element is suspect              |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 02 = Element is doubtful             |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 03 = Element failed QC checks        |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 04 = Replacement value (correction)  |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 05 = Estimated value                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 06 = Observer edited value           |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 09 = Element not checked             |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 78-79    | Element Quality   |                                      |
|          | Flags             |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (                 |                                      |
|          | Pressure/Ranging) |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 80-81    | Element Quality   | These fields contain the results of  |
|          | Flags             | any quality control procedures for   |
|          |                   | identifying suspect and doubtful     |
|          | (Height)          | individual elements:                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 00 = Element is correct              |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 01 = Element is suspect              |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 02 = Element is doubtful             |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 03 = Element failed QC checks        |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 04 = Replacement value (correction)  |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 05 = Estimated value                 |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 06 = Observer edited value           |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          |                   | 09 = Element not checked             |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 82-83    | Element Quality   |                                      |
|          | Flags             |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (Temperature)     |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 84-85    | Element Quality   |                                      |
|          | Flags             |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (Humidity)        |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 86-87    | Element Quality   |                                      |
|          | Flags             |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (Dew-point        |                                      |
|          | Depression)       |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 88-89    | Element Quality   |                                      |
|          | Flags             |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (Wind Direction)  |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 90-91    | Element Quality   |                                      |
|          | Flags             |                                      |
|          |                   |                                      |
|          | (Wind Speed)      |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| 92-100   | Reserved Field    | Leave blank                          |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+
| The data |                   |                                      |
| records  |                   |                                      |
| are      |                   |                                      |
| repeated |                   |                                      |
| as many  |                   |                                      |
| times as |                   |                                      |
| n        |                   |                                      |
| ecessary |                   |                                      |
| to       |                   |                                      |
| record   |                   |                                      |
| all      |                   |                                      |
| levels   |                   |                                      |
| of the   |                   |                                      |
| flight.  |                   |                                      |
| All      |                   |                                      |
| fields   |                   |                                      |
| must be  |                   |                                      |
| right-j  |                   |                                      |
| ustified |                   |                                      |
| (least   |                   |                                      |
| sig      |                   |                                      |
| nificant |                   |                                      |
| digit in |                   |                                      |
| the      |                   |                                      |
| r        |                   |                                      |
| ightmost |                   |                                      |
| p        |                   |                                      |
| osition) |                   |                                      |
| unless   |                   |                                      |
| s        |                   |                                      |
| pecified |                   |                                      |
| ot       |                   |                                      |
| herwise. |                   |                                      |
| All      |                   |                                      |
| missing  |                   |                                      |
| fields   |                   |                                      |
| must be  |                   |                                      |
| 9 filled |                   |                                      |
| unless   |                   |                                      |
| s        |                   |                                      |
| pecified |                   |                                      |
| ot       |                   |                                      |
| herwise. |                   |                                      |
| Do not   |                   |                                      |
| enter    |                   |                                      |
| decimal  |                   |                                      |
| points.  |                   |                                      |
| The      |                   |                                      |
| decimal  |                   |                                      |
| point is |                   |                                      |
| implied  |                   |                                      |
| by the   |                   |                                      |
| field    |                   |                                      |
| p        |                   |                                      |
| osition. |                   |                                      |
+----------+-------------------+--------------------------------------+

**3. [Start Date]{.underline}:** 19900201

**4. [Stop Date]{.underline}:** 19910831

**5. [Coverage]{.underline}:**

a\. Southernmost Latitude: -90.0S

b\. Northernmost Latitude: 90.0N

c\. Westernmost Longitude: -180.0W

d\. Easternmost Longitude: 180.0E

**6. [How to Order Data]{.underline}:**

Ask NCDC's Climate Services about the cost of obtaining this data set.

Phone: 828-271-4800

FAX: 828-271-4876

E-mail: [**NCDC.Orders@noaa.gov**](mailto:NCDC.Orders@noaa.gov)

**7. [Archiving Data Center]{.underline}:**

Archive Branch

National Climatic Data Center

151 Patton Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801

**8. [Technical Contact]{.underline}:**

National Climatic Data Center

151 Patton Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801

**9. [Known Uncorrected Problems]{.underline}:** None.

**10. [Quality Statement]{.underline}:**

**11. [Essential Companion Datasets]{.underline}:**

**12. [References]{.underline}:**