New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-10
LEARNED THROUGH KITES.
INFORMATION OBTAINED BY The
WEATHER BUREAU AT GREAT
ATTITUDES

Washington June 9 (speciaD-The United
States Weather Bureau has completed statement
of the results of its extensive researches regarding
velocity of the wind. temperature and relative
humidity Of the air obtained by the employment of
kites flown a height of from one to two miles
The observations We're conducted by corps OF the
Weather Bureaus experienced professors, and
resulted in valua bic contributions TO Sclentnc
weather forecasting
Balloon and mountain observations having failed,
Professor Moore. chief of the Weather Bureau. de-
termined undertake a study OF Kite ascens!ons
with the view of securing accurate and satisfactory
records Of aerial conditions. Novel mechanisms
we're designed for a meteorograph attachment
which was inclosed in a light ALUMINIUM case ana
was taken up by the kites.
Seventeen kite stations were established through
out the country where observations were made
every day when the weather would permit.
The records secured by two thousand ascensons
the total number made, for the first time in the
history of meteorology. furnish facts instead of
hypothesis as to the average temperature gradient
up to 5000 feet. free from all injurious influences.
and for so many days and over such large region
of country that 1t has broad significance and is
evidently the only proper gradient to be used here
after in reducing atmospheric pressures or tenn
peratures UP down from any observers level
Notwithstanding the imperfections to be expected
OF such entirely novel work. these stations, with
their ascensions. have probably added more
knowledge vertical gradients OF temperate re.
humidity and wind than all that was previously
known.
CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE
Temperature was found decrease al the rate
or 8 degrees per thousand feet to elevation OF
five thousand feet when inversion occurred. the
thermograph then showing a relative degree of in
crease as high as the kites assembled. An in
teresting developed from the observa tons
is the existence OF a distinct air stratum within
narrow vertical limits. In winter diversions occur
frequently and are decidedly marked. This leads
meteorologists to the inevitable conclusion that
during cold wave the belt of cold air is not much
over mile in height and often but little over half
a mile and that 1t is superimposed by warmer
stratum
There practically difference IN the wind
direction at and above the surface under normal
clear conditions. the velocity slightly decreasing
with the altitude. In a few the velocity of
and the wind direction opposite to that At the
surface These ususual conditions were found to
be indications Of thunderstorms; in fact after an
crease in the velocity of the wind with the altitude
one OF the storms ever know In that part
of the country followed
Like the wind direction. humidity was discovered
TO be much the same at and above the surface. the
only marked difference being noticed Omaha.
where the percentage II greater at seven thou
sand feet. This an unusual record, but owing
TO the fact that II happened only the one time
little knowledge was gained. When this record
was obtained the kite passed through the clouds
about the same time that tho sun. which had been
shining brightly, disappeared behind the clouds;
the wind changed its direction complete inver
sion Of III atmospheric conditions took place. caus-
ing the cambria air cells OF the kite TO become satu