The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-17
OFFICIAL KITE FLYING
A.y need Methods for AscerfainiGg
Weather Conditions.
Observations Made by Authorities of
the Burcnu-Fncts Obtained of Adj
eRt temperatures in Atmospheric
Conditions Above the Earth.

Dwelling. as We do, at the bottom of a
practically fathomless ocean of air, swept
by mysterious currents impelied by that
almost unknown magnetic force which has
been termed effiuvium, it is natural that
the Weather Bureau should endeavor to
sound these vast depths. and draw from
them their hidden laws in order that the
forecasters may dispense with the word
probably in their reports of weather
conditions
Unlike the deep sea investigator the
meteorologist must send his instruments
up toward the surface instead Of down to-
ward the Bottom. Both are alike handi-
capped in personal investigation along
their respective lines of research, as the
balloon is OF little more utility in immense
heights than the diving bell at great
depths.
The deep sea investigator attaches to
his metal rope leaden weight and the
requisite instrument; the meteorologist to
his light wire attaches a large and strong
kite. in the frame of which is suspended, in
an aluminium case. the meteorograph This
latter records automatically the pressure.
temperature, and relative humidity of the
air, and is the invention of Prof c. f.
Marvin, OF the Weather Bureau. Separate
observations OF atmospheric conditions had
been taken b. this means by private indi-
viduals prior to 1895, but these, while val
liable in themselves. did not tend to make
any new or important contributions TO
science, as no continuous system had been
ADOPTED. 1t was in the year mentioned
that Prof. Willis L. Moore, Chief of the
Weather Bureau, determined to establish
a chain of kite stations throughout the
country. in order that there could be OBJ
tot pal dai1 oh ne
sure. temperature, and wind velocity for
different elevations up to at least 5000
feet, SO that the method of weather fore
casting could be greatly benefited and i'm
proved
1t was not until 1898 that the stations
were efficiently established. including sew
enteen in all, situated mostly in the great
river valleys and the Upper Lake region.
A great deal Of time, labor. and expert
mentation were expended upon the form
OF kite to be used. The one now en-
ployed is formed after the Hargrave model,
being in most instances of immense pro-
portions, containing sometimes seventy
two square feet Of surface. But the
weather is proverbial for not adapting
itself to the wishes and fancies of man.
and it was soon found that the daily syn
chronous chart would not be feasible, as
ascension being alike impossible during
stormy weather and days when there was
not sufficient wind to float the kites.
Only as per cent of the total number of
ascensiors were made which would have
been possible had wind and weather con-
ditions been favorable.
The percentage varied from Is at Dodge
City. Kan, to II at Knoxville, Tenn.
Moreover, when. by chance, ascensions
were made at majority of the stations
on any one day. varying wind conditions
necessitated their being made at different
hours. thereby destroying the synchron-
ism Of the observations.
Results of observations.
However disappointing the results OBJ
tanned may be, viewed from the stand
point Of weather forecasting." said Prof.
H C. Frankenfeld. of the Weather Bu-
reau, they were very far from being so
from another. An immense amount OF
data was obtained from the 1,217 Assem-
sions and 1885 observations, particularly
in reference to temperature variations
with increase of altitude, and it is be-
liered that our previous knowledge Of this
subject has been materially increased.
Briefly summarized, the results of the
observations were as follows:
There were considered in all 1886 OBJ
servations. of which COZ were of 1000 feet
elevation, 906 at 1,500 feet 92s at 1000
feet, 1i6 at 5000 feet, 423 at 1900 feet
1S2 at 5000 feet. IS at 6.e00 feet, at
7.o9o feet and at 5000 feet. Of the two
at S.ooo feet. one was obtained at this city,
and the other at Dodge City. Kansas In
the Mississippi basin. except on the slope
of the Rocky Mountains, high ascensions
were impossible. as the average wind We
locity was but six miles or less per hour.
The mean rate of diminution of tenn
perature. with increase Of altitude. was
found to be five degree for each 1000 feet
OF only .Ci degree less than the true ada |
batic rate. This is strictly a mean value. |
obtained from observations taken at all |
elevations from Loco to 5000 feet and un- |
der varying conditions CT weather and at |
different hours.
The largest gradient, IA degrees per |
1000 feet. was found up to 1000 feet. and |
thence UP TO 5.eeo feet there was steady |
decrease TO 3.S degree. the rate of decrease
varying inverse1y with the altitude. Above
5 1000 feet there was a tendency toward a
slow rise in the gradient, but the lack OF
a sufficient number Of observations above
5000 feet prevents a positive assertion to
this effect
The morning gradients were also great
est up to 900 feet and least up to :. 600 |
feet, and the rate of decrease was about
the same as that Of the mean, the curves
showing very close agreement In this re-
L |
As degrees per 900 feet. The afternoon
gradients were larger. but not decidedly
So the average value being IS degrees per
/ coo feet. The greatest rate OF decrease
Is stfll found at LOCO feet and the least up
to 5000 feet. III the few observations at |
!. 900 feet are not given equal weight.
"A grouping Of the stations according to
their geographical locations disclosed the
fact that the mean rate of temperature de-
crease with increase OF altitude was much
greater in the central Mississippi water
shed than in the upper lake region, the
central West, or the extreme East as
by the signal station at Wash
ington. In the afternoon, however. the
differences were very small. the maxi
mum being only OF degree per thousand
feet
= THE remarkable fact was developed in |
the observations that currents of air up
On the surface of the earth differ in many |
Instances in temperature and velocity to |
The superintendent atmosphere beneath |
which they travel. Thus at this city,
June q. 1895 the temperature at an ele-
sa:.on OF SEC feet was il degrees higher
han at the surface and 10 degrees higher
1t LOO feet At Dodge City, Kan, on |
October %, 1898. there was an inversion
,f more than II degrees at an altitude ,
u over 5000 feet. As a rule, however, ,
he amount OF inversion was less al Dodge d
City than at Washington on accoun! of the 9
prevailing higher winds at the former 4 d
place.
The central fact of Importance which {
he study OF diversions developed was that |
hey were most pronounced with the ra- $
liation Of relatively warm southeast to /
outhwest winds. the marked cold at the | |
urface and the higher warm air present I
ng marked contrast which yas pot sc | !