An impressive new instrument rigged to withstand high seas and ocean storms is sending back continuous wind data from its perch aboard the NOAA research vessel, Ronald H. Brown .
Early reports indicate it's a huge success.
Developed at NOAA's Environmental Technology Laboratory in Boulder, Colo., the instrument is the first wind profiler to be permanently installed aboard a research ship to provide scientists with valuable weather and climate data. The instrument, a 915-MHz radar wind profiler , underwent a major redesign to accommodate the unique conditions found on a ship. Usually installed on land, wind profilers are Doppler radars that are pointed upward and are used to measure winds and temperature up to heights of several kilometers. The data are used for weather forecasts, climate models, aviation weather and other meteorological needs. In this instance, the Brown profiler not only had to withstand rough seas, sea spray and extreme temperatures, but also had to overcome several technical problems.