Meteorology tech you didn’t know affected day-to-day life
Meteorology tech you didn’t know affected day-to-day life
Meteorology is a science that affects us all daily. You might not think about meteorology as you carry out your day-to-day tasks, but it’s likely that you’ve encountered it without realising, from the rain gauge in your garden to glancing up at a weather vane, which is based on basic meteorological principles. Meteorological sensors are also crucial to predicting the weather, so whenever you check out the weather forecast, you’re unknowingly reliant on meteorological tech to give you an accurate prediction.
Let’s have a look at some projects in more detail, so you can understand how crucial meteorology is to our everyday lives.
Meteorological sensors
A meteorological sensor is a high-tech piece of equipment that is designed to measure specific elements of our weather systems, including barometric pressure (otherwise known as atmospheric pressure) and hygrometer (or humidity). This is crucial in the aerospace industry, as it allows us to predict storms, which can pose a hazard to flights; on a day-to-day level, it can help meteorologists predict the weather for general forecasts.
Other aspects of weather that meteorological sensors monitor include cloud height (also crucial to aerospace, as visibility can seriously impede flying ability); rain; temperature; wind and solar radiation. Airports in coastal locations will also have a transmissometer, including Hamad International Airport, which measures visual range as well as the merging of seawater and atmosphere to ensure safe flight proceedings.
Rain gauges
The amount of rainfall is crucial to industries such as agriculture, which relies on the climate to grow produce. With a rain gauge, which is essentially a large cylinder and funnelling system, precipitation accumulates into one funnel, showing the amount of rain over a measured length of time.
A rain gauge therefore makes for a handy tool for gardeners looking to establish the right plants, fruit or veg at a certain time of year, while on a professional level, meteorologists can use a rain gauge to help predict droughts, averting environmental or humanitarian disaster.
Lightning detection systems
Lightning detection systems are essential for large, open spaces, including golf courses, and works by detecting a radio signal pattern to pick up particular frequencies. Most golf courses will have a system like this in place to protect their members, especially if the only coverage over a large area is trees.
The importance of meteorology technology and projects
In summary, meteorology affects all aspects of our lives, whether we’re aware of it directly through an interest in weather or it’s something we don’t even consider as we board our flight. An understanding of it is fundamental to daily ongoings, including logistics and even land management, enabling us to plan and predict life, especially in adverse conditions – which meteorology allows us to navigate.