The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-02-19
INVESTIGATION OF UPPER AIR.
Meteorological Science Has Made
Advances During Past Decade


The last decade has witnessed rapid
and important advances in the meth
experimental and other-of
meteorological science, and the re-
search. of recent years has clearly
shown that climatic conditions depend
largely on the circulat ton of the whole
bulk of the atmosphere. The in
suff1ciency of observations made at
the ground level only is at once appar-
emit; they give us no adequate know
ledge of the winds and variations in
pressure up above, which cannot,
even within wide limits, be regarded
as negligible. The systematic investi-
CATION of the upper atmosphere, due
largely to the initiative of Teisserenc
de Bort and Hergesell, has already
yielded results of considera BILE interest
and great practical import. Within
the first four miles above the earth's
surface the temperature of the air
rapidly falls with increasing height
(about 8 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000
feet). At some height near the maxi
mum level attained by manned bal
looms, however, this fall of stempera-
ture suddenly ceases: nor is this some
what curious phenomenon in any
way dependent upon the place of
observation, for be the ascent made
from Polar regions or from the
equator similar result is obtained.
MOREOVER the lowest temperature
reached is in either case approximate
~ the same; in other words, six miles
above the surface of our globe, is an
encircling layer of air at a nearly con-
slant temperature. Further work
has shown that this attitude cores
ponds to the limit to which atnos-
pheTic disturbances reach, above
which no clouds exist, and where the
wind over the whole Of Europe blows
always in a westernly direction.
Granted existence possible at this
high level, a climate characterized by
intense col0-say 100 degrees of frost
would be experienced, but perpetual
sunshine and obviously total absence
of rain or storms.
Started by private enterprise, the
quest Is now an international under
taking. From a number of meteoro To-
gical stations established throughout
the world balloons and kites carrying
self-recording instruments are sent
up on certain appointed dates. In this
way the temperature, humidity, wind,
velocity and wind direction up to
height of some thirteen miles are OBJ
tanned simultaneously from various
districts. In accordance with these
methods the work was rast July for
a week in full swing, and a feeling OF
keen interest prevailed among all stu
dents of meteorology. On this occa-
SlOI1 ScNeId1 IldklOnS CO-OPClcASO ACdiQ-
ing special ships from which observa-
lions in equatorial ana arctic regions
were taken. M. Teissereno de Bort, in
addition to arranging for taking OBJ
servations from the Versailles obser-
vatory directed an expedition south
of the Azores. whilst in the same dis
trict pilot balloon aScents were. MADE
by the meteorological observatory of
the islands. Important service was
rendered by Russia, under whose con-
troll were expeditions to Finland and
the China sea, and work was also
carried on at st. Petersburg, Sevasto-
pol. Kasan, etc. In the United states
principal stations were the Boston
Blue HILL and Mount washington
observatories (under the direction OF
Mr. Kotch:) A man-of-war IN the
Mediterranean was lent by Italy and
| further work was undertaken at the
| royal observatory at Pavia; IN Spain
| balloon ascents were controlled by the
| military authorities, while Austria
and Switzerland participated BY ar
ranging for observations in Vienna
and Zurich. and Germany at Strass-
! Munich. Manned balloon ascents were
| made at Barmen and Frankfurt. In
all reports have been received from
| some fifty stations, ranging over the
| entire world and affording valuable
material for further detailed study
I
| pate in the proceedings, England
was we'll represented by the stations
| which have been esta blished at>Pyrton
| Hill. Brighton, Petersfeid, Glossop
| Moore. and Manchester.
| The work has been entirely success
| full, and only the Munich and Strass-
| burg stations have equaled Man
chester in height attained, which in
several ascents exceeded twelve miles
For full Information we must await
| the more complete analysis of the
results. which will doubtless occupy
some months. The research in gen
eral is progressing rapidly and 1t is
| hoped to institute. many improve
ments during the coming year
Thanks to the generosity of Professor
Arthur Schuster, the scope of the
! work undertaken by the Manchester
| university will be considerably in
! creased and plans have now been com
! pleted for taking regular observa-
| ticns extending over a period of two
years. The new programme provides
for daily balloon or kite ascents. which
i will make it possible to compare the
meteorological conditions at variou:
Il heights above the surface Of the earth
i with simultaneous readings at a mum
y Der of stations at the ground level