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rawinsonde

measuring instrument

Quick Summary

A rawinsonde is a type of radiosonde used for atmospheric measurements. The term is a portmanteau of "radar," "wind," and "radiosonde."1

Unlike a standard radiosonde, which measures atmospheric conditions like temperature, pressure, and humidity, a rawinsonde is equipped with a radio direction-finding device. This allows it to be tracked, enabling the determination of wind velocity at various altitudes.12

Radiosondes are typically carried aloft by helium-filled meteorological balloons, reaching altitudes of around 30,000 meters (100,000 feet), with a maximum altitude of approximately 50,000 meters.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. rawinsonde
  2. radiosonde

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