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ABOUT OUR PROJECT

Cost-Effectiveness
The current radiosonde network for the United States is very costly for the United States. There are over 90 U.S. locations that launch radiosondes twice a day.

Radiosonde Fact Sheet

Adaptive Strategies
There are numerous research developments pursuing other possible methods for collecting upper-air data.

How is this relevant to society?
Radiosondes impact all parts of society as a unique source of upper air climate. This collected data is compiled into archived data and maintains better quality than satellite measurements. From the radiosonde supplements, long range forecasting is improved.

Our specific project is important because of the potential budget cuts looming over the National Weather Service. In finding an adaptive strategy, there becomes an open opportunity for a more flexible network and a possibility of saving money.



MEET THE TEAM

Lauryn Gonzalez
Lauryn can be seen weather anchoring and reporting on OU Nightly. Her internship opportunities include working at WFAA in Dallas, KWTV in Oklahoma City and the Storm Prediction Center here in Norman.



Leah Kos
Leah minored in Mathematics and Broadcasting. After graduating from OU, she will attend graduate school. Also, she has completed numerous internships including the FAA in Oberlin, Ohio, KOCO in Oklahoma City and WEWS-TV in Cleveland, Ohio.



Sara Lavas
Sara hopes to land a job in private sector meteorology when she graduates in May. She interned at Southwest Airlines last summer and has a deep interest in aviation meteorology. She gained valuable experience while there which will help her be a better meteorologist in the future. She really hopes to make it back there as a meteorologist one day.






GOALS

1. Analyze both current radiosonde network and adaptive strategies.

2. Draw conclusions from collected information and determine the most cost-effective strategy.


PROCEDURE

Research
Research current radiosonde network through scholarly sources and journals. This process will help show us research on adaptive strategies and the overall use of radiosondes in the United States.

See our research.


Personal Contact
We will contact key NOAA staff for information on the network's operation, preformance and financing. In addition, we will contact insurance companies to see how radiosonde use impacts the industry.

See our contact questions.


Surveys
We will send out a survey to the NWS Forecast Offices across the United States. Specifically, we will send the surveys to the Chief Forecaster and the Science and Operations Officer.

See the survey.




SOUNDINGS

University of Wyoming Soundings

Oklahoma Weather Lab Soundings

Storm Prediction Center Soundings