WORLDMETEOROLOGICALORGANIZATION

COMMISSIONFORINSTRUMENTSANDMETHODSOFOBSERVATION OPAGONUPPERAIROBSERVATIONTECHNOLOGY

JOINT CIMOEXPERTTEAMON UPPERAIRSYSTEMSINTERCOMPARISONS(ETUASI) FourthSession and INTERNATIONALORGANIZINGCOMMITTEE(IOC)ON UPPERAIRSYSTEMSINTERCOMPARISONS FourthSession

Yangjiang,China 31August4September2009

FINALREPORT

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4

CONTENTS

Pages
ii Iii 1 Annex1 Annex2

Agenda ExecutiveSummary GeneralSummary AnnexI:Listofparticipants AnnexII:InvestigationReportonYangjiangInternational IntercomparisonStationSite

th AnnexIII:ImportandExportProposalofthe8 WMORadiosonde IntercomparisonEquipment

Annex3

AnnexIV:ChinaIntercomparison2010Potentialinstrument participation AnnexV:RulesandProceduresofthe8thWMOIntercomparison ofRadiosondesystemsupdatedversionasof4September2009 AnnexVI:CIMORecognizedIntercomparisonSites/TestBeds AnnexVII:Dataformatrecommendations

Annex4

Annex5

Annex6 Annex7

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AGENDA

1.

ORGANIZATIONOFTHESESSION 1.1 Openingofthesession 1.2 Adoptionoftheagenda 1.3 Workingarrangements

2. 3.

REPORTOFTHECHAIRPERSON SITEINSPECTIONANDLOGISTICALARRANGEMENTSFORINSTRUMENT INSTALLATIONANDOPERATIONS LOCALARRANGEMENTSFORPARTICIPANTSINTHEINTERCOMPARISON ASSESSMENTOFNEEDFORSUPPORTTOLOCALSTAFF ANYOTHERBUSINESS REVIEWOFTHEREPORT CLOSUREOFTHESESSION

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

_________

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EXECUTIVESUMMARY

This report provides a summary of the joint fourth session of the Expert Team on UpperAir Systems Intercomparisons (ET) and International Organizing Committee on UpperAir SystemsIntercomparisons(IOC)thatwasheldattheYangjiangMeteorologicalBureau,Yangjiang, China,31August4September2009. The main goals of the meeting were to evaluate and review the proposed local th arrangementsforholdingthe8 WMOIntercomparisonofRadiosondeSystemsandcontinuethe th planning for the WMO 8 Intercomparison of Radiosonde Systems. The local facilities and capabilitiesof thelocal staff were foundtobefully suitablefor hosting the Intercomparison. The localarrangementsforparticipantsintheintercomparisonwerealsoreviewedaswellastheneed forsupporttothelocalstaff.Themeetingcouldconsequentlyagreeontheplaceanddurationof theintercomparison:itwillbeheldinYangjiang,China,from12to31July2010. The import and export procedures for consumable and nonconsumable equipment that wouldbeneededfortheintercomparisonwerereviewed.Asallradiotransmittinginstrumentsneed prior approval before being shipped to China, advanced notification of the planned shipments wouldbeneeded4monthspriortothestartoftheintercomparisontoensurethatallauthorization canbeobtainedinduetime. The tentative list of participants was reviewed and a tentative planning for the intercomparisonwasdevelopedtakingintoaccounttheplansofmanufacturerstoparticipateinit. A draft grouping of the radiosondes was proposed as well asa preliminary launch schedule for whichCMAneedstoobtainapprovalfromtheChinaAirTrafficControlauthority. Themeetingalsoaddressedtheissueofadditionalremotesensinginstrumentstosupport theintercomparisonthatwouldneedtobeaddressedinmoredetailsinthecomingmonths.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4

GENERALSUMMARY

1. 1.1

ORGANIZATIONOFTHESESSION Openingofthesession

1.1.1 The joint fourth session of the CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR Expert Team on UpperAir SystemsIntercomparisons(ET)andtheInternationalOrganizingCommitteeonUpperAirSystems Intercomparisons (IOC) was held at the Yangjiang Meteorological Bureau, Yangjiang, China, 31 August4September2009. 1.1.2 Following one day of visit and evaluation of the proposed intercomparison site st (Yangjiang Sounding Station), the meeting was officially opened on 1 September 2009 by Mr ZHOU Heng, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation of China MeteorologicalAdministration(CMA),whowelcomedtheparticipantstothemeetinginChina.The listofparticipantsisgiveninAnnexI. 1.1.3 DrJohnNash,PresidentofCIMO,welcomedtheparticipants.Heemphasizedthatthe preparationoftheintercomparisonrequiredalotofworkfromthehostcountry.Henotedthatthe ET/IOC was looking forward to collaborate with the host in preparing and carrying out this intercomparison,sothat itwould yield mutualbenefit tothehostandWMO Members, leading to achievementsthatindividualcountriescannotdoalone. 1.1.4 Mrs Isabelle Redi welcomed the participants in the name of WMO and expressed thankstoChinaforitsoffertohostthenextWMOHighqualityRadiosondeIntercomparison. 1.1.5 1.2 MrTimOakley,ChairpersonoftheETandIOC,openedthesession. Adoptionoftheagenda

TheET/IOCadoptedtheAgendaforthemeeting,whichisreproducedatthebeginning ofthisreport. 1.3 Workingarrangementsforthesession TheET/IOCagreedonworkinghoursandtentativetimetableforthesession. 2. REPORTOFTHECHAIRPERSON

2.1 TheET/IOCChairpersonsummarizedthestatusofpreparationoftheintercomparison. Sevenmanufacturershadjustconfirmedtheirwillingnesstoparticipateintheintercomparison.Up to10differentmanufacturersmightbeinterestedintakingpart,whichwouldleadtoamuchlarger intercomparisonthanthepreviousintercomparisonthatwasheldinMauritusin2005. 2.2 He welcomed the fact that the GCOS community had expressed a strong interest to participate in this intercomparison and was represented in this meeting. This would widen the scopeoftheintercomparison,focussingnotonlyonoperations,butaddressingalsoresearchand wouldhelpimprovingthecommunicationandcollaborationbetweenthesetwocommunities. 3. SITEINSPECTIONANDLOGISTICALARRANGEMENTSFORINSTRUMENTATION INSTALLATIONANDOPERATIONS

3.1 Mr LI Wei, the CMA focal point for the organization of the intercomparison, made a presentationonthestatusofthelocalpreparationforthe2010UpperAirSystemIntercomparison. Siteselection 3.2 MrLIWeipresentedthedetailedevaluationofthreepossiblesites(Yangjiang,Haikou andBeihai,alllocatedinsoutheasternChina)fortheintercomparison,includingamongothersthe main climatic conditions of each station, the intercomparison sites, airspace conditions, electromagnetic environment, hydrogen supply,livingand transportationconditionsandavailable

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operational staff. Originally, the site of Guilin had been considered. However, it was not further envisagedinviewoftheextensiveairtrafficprevailingtherethatisrelatedtoitstouristattractions. 3.3 Mr LI Wei informed that any requirements raised by the meeting, beyond those that couldbeaccommodatedunderthenormaloperationtimeofthestation,neededtobeapprovedby Chinaairtrafficcontrol. 3.4 The meeting visited the proposed intercomparison site of the Yangjiang sounding station and agreed that the facilities were meeting the intercomparison needs. The ET/IOC appreciatedthethoroughinvestigationcarriedoutbyCMAinviewofidentifyingthebestsiteforthe intercomparison and agreed with CMAs proposal that Yangjiang was the mostappropriate site. The ET/IOC therefore decided that the intercomparison would be held in Yangjiang. The descriptionofthesiteisavailableinAnnexII. 3.5 site. Sufficientspaceisavailablefortheinstallationofremotesensingequipmentonthetest

3.6 Operational CMA Lband radiosondes are flown twice daily from the station at Yangjiang butare not availableon the GTS. Monitoringresults (ECMWF OBFG Statistics) were presented to the meeting showing the performance of the Chinese network. While most sites provideacceptablequalitydatatherewerestillanumberoflocationswithlowerperformance.The ET/IOC wasconcernedthatwithoutaccesstothemeasurementsfrom Yangjiangitwouldnotbe abletoaccessthe performancequality of its operationaldata prior to theexperiment.CMA was asked to consider whether the TEMPdata could be made availableon the GTSfor a temporary periodofatleast6months.Ifnot, theET/IOCrequestedthathistoricaldata,preferably2second asciifilescoveringtheperiodfromJulytoSept.2009(butifnotpossibleTEMPABCD)shouldbe madeavailabletotheprojectleader Intercomparisondates 3.7 Twotimewindowswereidentifiedasmeetingtherequirementsoftheintercomparison. InviewoftheavailabilityofCMAstaffandofthetentativeplantoholdthenextsessionofCIMOin lateSeptember2010,themeetingdecidedthattheintercomparisonwouldbeheldfrom12to31 July2010. Sitelogistics 3.8 In view of the large number of manufacturers that were expected to take part in the intercomparison, the meeting agreed that both the facility of the original and current duty rooms wouldbeneededtoaccommodateallgroundreceivingequipments.Themeetingagreedthateach oftheroomswouldbeequippedwithadesk,chairs,airconditioning,powerandinternetaccess.If necessary, the storage room would also be transformed into an office. The Project Leader will inform the host of the exact needs following the final confirmation of the manufacturers participation. 3.9 Given the large number of participants involved in night launches, the ET/IOC requestedthatthehostinstalladditionaloutsidelightstosufficientlyilluminatetheoutsideworking areas. 3.10 Thelocalorganizersinformedthatafridge wouldbeavailabletostoresomefoodand beveragesthattheparticipantswouldbring. 3.11 Toavoidcontaminationofthecomputersbyviruses,itwasrecommendedthatthehost providesacomputerthatwouldbeusedsolelyforviruscheckpriortoprovidingtheflightdatato thedatamanager. 3.12 In case participants have special requirements for fixing their antennas, they should providethisinformationtoMrLIWei. 3.13 CMA agreed to cover the expenses related to the site logistics and adaptations recommendedaboveaswellasforthesupportstaffinchargeoftheballoonflights(seeSection5 below). 3.14

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4.

LOCALARRANGEMENTSFORPARTICIPANTSINTHEINTERCOMPARISON

4.1 The meeting reviewed the plans for the local arrangements for the participantsin the intercomparisonandagreedthatarrangementssimilartothosemadeforitspresentmeetingwould be appropriate. It was expected that the price of the accommodation would be similar to that prevailingatthetimeofthemeeting. 4.2 ThetownofYangjiangofferssuitablehotels.Theparticipantsshouldbegivenachoice ofhotels,includinghotelsofdifferentcategories(35stars)and differentlocation(citycentreand outskirts). 4.3 ThemeetingrecommendedtotheparticipantstostayintheYangjiangCountryGarden Phoenix Hotel as it would simplify transportation to the intercomparison site and also as it appearedtobethemostappropriate. 4.4 The ET/IOC recommended that a shuttle bus be organized between the Yangjiang CountryGardenPhoenixHotelandtheintercomparisonsiteafewtimesaday/nightaswellasa shuttlebetweenYangjiangand Guangzhouatthebeginningandendoftheintercomparison.The ET/IOCrequestedCMAtoprovideacostedproposaltotheWMOSecretariatfortheseservices. 4.5 The local organizers informed the meeting that it was not recommendedto hire cars, butthattaxiswerealsoavailableatreasonableprices.RegularshuttlebusesrunfromYangjiangto HongKongairportandtoHongKongcitycentreandneedapproximately56hoursforthejourney. 4.6 The ET/IOC recommended that CMA nominate a contact person for the local arrangementsandwelcomedtheofferofMrYUJuntoserveasthiscontactperson. 5. ASSESSMENTOFNEEDFORSUPPORTTOLOCALSTAFF

5.1 The meeting visited the proposed test site and attended a radiosonde launch. The meetingagreedthatthelocalstaffwasfullycapableofcarryingouttheradiosondelaunchesand didnotneedadditionaltraining.Theprojectteam wouldprovidededicatedsupport/trainingtothe localstaffduringthefirstdaysoftheintercomparisonforthespecificitiesofthetestriglaunches. 5.2 The meeting was informed about the arrangements that had been made in previous intercomparisonfortheflightpreparationandevaluation.Inthepast,anaverageof5supportstaff fromthehostcountryhadbeenneededtoprovideassistancetotheballoonlaunch.Theflightrigs had been made of bamboo, but could principally be made of any other appropriate lightweight slightlyflexiblematerial. 5.3 The ET/IOC proposed that CMA take the responsibility of the flight preparation and launching.ItwasagreedthatMrLIWeiwoulddevelopaproposalonhowtohangtheradiosondes accordingtothepayloadproposalandsendittotheProjectLeaderforapproval.MrLIWeiwould alsodevelopachecklistfortheflightpreparationandlaunching procedure thathewould sendto theProjectLeaderforapprovaltoo.CMAwillselect4shiftleadersfromamongitsstaffthatwillbe inchargeofthelaunches. 6. ANYOTHERBUSINESS

ImportExportProcedure 6.1 Mr ZHANG Wei presented CMAs proposal for the importexport procedure of equipmentasdepictedinAnnexIII.Itshouldbenotedthatallequipmentneededtobedispatched toChina40days before theintercomparisonstart to allow for the customclearance time.As all radiotransmittingequipmentrequiredapreapprovalfromtheauthoritybeforetheycanbeshipped intoChina,anotificationontheequipmentthatwillbeimportedisneeded4monthsinadvancein ordertoverifytheneedforandapplyforradiofrequencycertificates.MrZHANGWeiwillprovidea template for this notification that will be posted on the WMO website. Furthermore, the shipping/insurance costs provided in Annex III are estimates and the exact costs would be calculateduponprecisedescriptionoftheshipment.

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6.2 TheET/IOCrequestedtheSecretariatandMrZHANGWeitoinvestigatethepossibility of declaring consumable equipment as being a donation from WMO, which would be exempted fromimporttax. 6.3 The ET/IOC strongly recommended that the participants used the proposed agent to ensurethatallequipmentbedeliveredontimeatthesiteandadvisedthemtocontactMrZHANG Weiassoonaspossibletodiscusstheproceduretobefollowed.However,manufacturersarefree tochooseothershippingagenciesattheirownrisk. GRUAN 6.4 Mr Holger Vmel made a presentation on GRUAN and stressed that GRUAN measurements needed to have an estimate of the measurement uncertainty associated to each observationpoint.Hisroleintheintercomparisonistoinvestigatethecharacteristicsofsounding instrumentationthatcouldbeusedasreferenceforGRUAN.Hewouldthereforecarryoutamore detailed data analysis than that needed for operational soundings in view of proposing possible improvementsforreferencesoundinginstruments.Itwasrecognizedthattheanalysisofsuchdata setswouldneedmoretimethantheanalysisoftheoperationalsoundings.Itisthereforeexpected that the statistics and basic results of the GRUAN measurements will be published in the final report of the intercomparison. However, it is expected that the final results of the research soundingequipmentwillneedmoretimetobecompletedandpublishedinscientificjournals. ProjectTeam 6.5 The ET/IOC welcomed the interest of China to participate in the work of the data evaluation team and noted that Mr LI Wei was the CMA representative in the IOC that was in chargeofagreeingontheresultsoftheintercomparison.TheET/IOCagreedtoinvolveMrLIWei in the analysis of the data and nominated him as a member of the Project Team. CMA was requestedtoinformtheET/IOConanyrestrictionthatmaycomefromtheGovernmentofChinaon theuseofthedatasampledduringtheintercomparison. 6.6 As Mr Engelbart that had been foreseen to act as dataprocessing expert for the remotesensinginstrumentswillnotbeavailablefortheintercomparison,theET/IOCrequestedthe Secretariattohelpinidentifyingareplacementforhim. ParticipationandRadioFrequencyInterferences 6.7 TheET/IOCwasinformedthatthreemanufacturersfromChinaplannedtoparticipatein the intercomparions. These were two Chinamade GPS radiosonde manufacturers and the manufacturerofanewtypeLbandradiosonde.CMAalsoinformedthemeetingthatithad been performingintercomparisonsofitsLBandandGPSradiosondesforayearandhadnotobserved anyinterferencesproducedbytheLBandsystem. 6.8 CMArequestedtocontinuedoingitstwicedailyoperationalflights,independentlyofthe intercomparison flights. It was noted that the China LBand radiosonde was different from the radiosonde used operationally until now in Yangjiang. Also, the meeting agreed that it was not essentialthatalltheChineseradiosondesbeflownonthesameballoons. 6.9 Besides the seven manufacturers that had expressed interest to participate in the intercomparisonatthetimeofthepreviousET/IOCmeeting(Payerne,Switzerland,26June2008), Mr Kats (Russian Federation) expressed recentlyinterest toparticipate with the Russian LBand radar. The ET/IOC recognized theneed to test theRussiansystem. However, theET/IOC noted thatitwouldnotbepossibletotesttwoLBandsystemssimultaneously(namelytheRussianand Chinese LBand systems). As China would need to continue doing its operational flights independentlyoftheintercomparisonflights,theET/IOCrecognizedthatitwouldunfortunatelynot be possible to accommodate the Russian LBand system in this intercomparison and requested theProjectLeadertoinformhimaccordingly. Flightschedule 6.10 MrTimOakleypresentedthepotentialinstrumentsparticipationintheintercomparison asshowninAnnexIV.Itincludedononehandtheoperationalqualityradiosondes(QRS)thatwill

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bethemainfocusoftheintercomparisonandontheotherhandthescientificsoundinginstruments (SSI). 6.11 Inviewofthelargenumberofinstrumentsparticipating,theET/IOCdecidedtodivide thesystemsintothreegroupsasfollowsandproposedprovisionalfrequencyassignmentforeach system:

GroupA[01.15,13.00] 2000grballoon

ChinaLBand Intermet Modem Graw Meteolabor(+SnowWhite)

1675 404 402 401 403

GroupB[08.00,20.00] 2000grballoon

ChinaGPS1 ChinaGPS2 LMSippican Vaisala Meisei

401 402 403 404 405 404.5 403.5 402.5,401.5

SSIGroup[08.45,20.45] 1200grballoon

CFHonIntermet Vaisalareference Otherreferences?

6.12 The launch times for the different group must ensure that all radiosondes are flown duringdayandnightconditions.Therefore,theET/IOCagreedonaprovisionallaunchscheduleas follows:

Localtime (UTC+8) 01.15 07.15 08.00 08.45 13.00 19.15 20.00 20.45

Group GroupA Chinaoperationalradiosonde GroupB SSIGroup GroupA OperationalRadiosonde GroupB SSIGroup

Itwasnotedthatthetimebetweenthethreemorningandeveninglaunchescouldbereducedfor thepurposeoftheintercomparison,providedtheorganizationdoesnotgettoocomplicatedforthe localstaff. 6.13 ThemeetingagreedthatCMAwouldrequesttheneededauthorizationfortheseflights bytheairtrafficauthorityandprovideitsreplytotheProjectLeaderassoonaspossibletoensure thatotherarrangementscouldbemadeincaseofanegativeresponse.

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6.14 The manufacturers would be responsible for operating their systems. Should they requireanysupportfromthelocalstafftheyshouldcontactMrLIWeitoensurethatcorresponding arrangementscouldbemade. 6.15 The operational radiosondes will be flown 30 times (15 daytime, 15nighttime), while theSSIGroupwillbeflownatleast10times(5daytime,5nighttime).TheSSIGroupwouldnotbe flownduringthefirstdaysoftheintercomparisonperiodtoreleasetheloadonthelocalstaffand acquiresufficienttraininginthelaunchofthebiggroups.Themeetingagreedonthe provisional launchschedulethroughoutthedurationoftheintercomparison: Date 1213July 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Flighttimes Preparation 08,13,19 01,08,13,19 01,08,13,19+SSI 01,08,13,19 01,08,13,19+SSI 01 08,13,19 01,08,13,19+SSI 01,08,13,19 01,08,13,19+SSI 01,08,13,19 01,08,13,19+SSI 01 08,13,19 01,08,13,19 01,08,13,19 01,08,13,19 01,Pack

However,it was noted that theSSIgroup wouldnot beflown in case of rain.In suchcases, the schedulewouldbemodifiedaccordingly. Inviewofensuringsufficientdayandnighttimeflights, theET/IOCrecognizedthatacontingencyof4dayswouldbeneededincaseofverybadweather. 6.16 TheET/IOC decided thatthe GroupA andB wouldconsistsonlyofoperational QRS that have been prequalifiedin national tests and possibly also of Snow White. All instruments listedinthecolumnQRSoftheTableprovidedinAnnexIVhavebeenacceptedbytheET/IOCas qualified. Manufacturers would be allowed to bring additional R&D reference radiosondes that could be flown on the SSI Group subject to availability of space. Mr Vmel will be in charge of coordinating the flights of such references and could organize some additional flights for these instrumentsatthetimesreservedfortheSSIGroup. 6.17 TheET/IOCconsideredhowthelinkbetweenGroupAandBwouldbedone,asthey will not be flying simultaneously and there would be no instruments that would be flown in both groups.ItisplannedthattheChineseradiosondeswouldbelinkedthroughtheresultsoftheChina intercomparison whichispresently being run, whilethe other radiosondes wouldbelinked using theresultsoftheLUAMIcampaignandtheUKtestthatwillbecarriedoutnextmonth. 6.18 The ET/IOC decided that no parachute would be used for Group A and B, while parachutethatwillbeprovidedbyMrVmelwillbeusedfortheSSIgroup. 6.19 Undernormal conditions, itisexpected that nounwinders wouldbeused. However a contingency of unwinders would be needed for bad weather conditions. The Project Leader will coordinatetheirprovision. Funding 6.20 Themeeting reviewed thefunding proposalsthat hadbeen made during theprevious meetingoftheET/IOCandfelttheywerestillappropriateunlessspecificallymentionedabove.

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6.21 Thelocalhostwillneedadvancepaymentforthepurchaseoftheballoons,hydrogen, etc.ThemeetingthereforerecommendedthattheWMOestablishaTrustFundforthepurposeof this intercomparison in which donors and manufacturers could pay their participation to the purchaseoftherequiredservices. Remotesensinginstruments 6.22 The meeting noted that little progress has yet been made in the provision of remote sensing instrumentation as part of the radiosonde comparison. Remote sensing observations of water vapour are essential to reference between the daytime and nighttime performance of the relative humidity sensors and also to identify the cloud conditions experienced during the comparisonflights. 6.23 In the case of GPS water vapour observations, there is a GPS sensor in Yangjiang town,ashortdistancefromtheproposedtestsite.TheGPSintegratedwatervapourobservations from this sensor will be suitable to provide a reference between the different radiosonde observationtimes.Inaddition,duringthecomparison,CMAwasrequestedtoprovideobservations fromanother5GPSwatervapoursitessurroundingYangjiang,sothatvariationsinthehorizontal ofthewatervapourfieldcouldbeidentifiedfromdaytoday. 6.24 A microwave radiometer suitable for water vapour observations would further strengthenthereferencingbetweenwatervapourobservationsatdifferenttimesofday. 6.25 ADopplerweatherradarisavailableonthecomparisonsite. 6.26 CMAagreedtoinvestigatewhatotherremotesensinginstrumentation,aslistedinthe ET/IOC3meeting(Payerne)andreproducedinAnnexV,mightbeprovidedfromwithinChina(e.g. aeorosol lidar or wind profiler). Institutions willing to support the deployment of remote sensing systems at the site, would have access to all the radiosonde data, thus providing a unique opportunitytodevelopknowledgeoftheerrorcharacteristicsofinstrumentssuchaswindprofilers and cloud measuring systems. CMA would request the Intercomparison Project Team to clarify specificationsforremotesensingsystems,ifthisisnecessary. 6.27 TheexpertnominatedatthemeetinginPayernetomanagetheremotesensingduring the Radiosonde Comparison has resigned. Thus, the relevant CIMO and CBS Surfacebased remotesensingteams,meetinginNovember2009,arerequestedtodevelopasmalltaskteamto take on this responsibility and to work with experts from China. They are also requested to see whethertheycanidentifysuitablesystemswhichcouldbeavailableandshippedtoChinaforthe test. 6.28 The COST Action EGCLIMET will also meet in November 2009 and Dr Nash is requested to find out whether this Action can support deployment of systems in China, as had happenedpreviouslyinMauritiusin2005. 6.29 ObtaininghelpfromWMOandCOSTwouldbehelpedbyChinaprovidingapreliminary report in early November 2009 of what remote sensing would be available for Yangjiang from withinChina. 6.30 The meeting agreed that any remote sensing instrument for the test needs to be deployed well in advance of the start of the Radiosonde Comparison, so that any errors from conditionsfoundatYangjiangcanbefoundandeliminatedbeforetheRadiosondeIntercomparison starts.ForinstanceawindprofileratYangjiangwouldhavetobesitedsothatitwasnotinlineof sight of the weather radar antenna, and so would not see anomalous signals (Doppler shifts) reflectedfromtheweatherradarantennaasitrotates. 6.31 ChinawouldneedtoorganisefurtherradiofrequencysurveysofconditionsatYangjiang, dependingonthefrequenciesusedbyanyremotesensingsystemproposedfortheYangjiangtest. RulesandProceduresoftheintercomparison 6.32 Themeetingreviewedtherulesandproceduresoftheintercomparisonthathadbeen agreedonduring theET/IOC3 meeting andamended them asneeded. The updatedversionof theserulesisprovidedinAnnexV.

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6.33 Themeetingrecommendedthat a2daymeetingbeorganizedtofinalizetheplanning includingnecessaryfundingaswellasthedetailsofthescientificplanning,withallmanufacturers and participants representatives,preferablyduring thelast weekof January toagreeon thefinal intercomparisonplans. 7. REVIEWOFTHEREPORT Themeetingreviewedandapprovedthereportofthesession. 8. CLOSUREOFTHESESSION Themeetingwasclosedon4September2009at12:15. ___________

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LISTOFPARTICIPANTS MrTimOAKLEY Chairperson TheMeteorologicalOffice FitzRoyRoad EXETER DevonEX13PB UnitedKingdom Tel.: +441392885644 Fax: +441392885681 Email: tim.oakley@metoffice.gov.uk TheMeteorologicalOffice FitzRoyRoad EXETER DevonEX13PB UnitedKingdom Tel.: +441392885649 Fax: +441392885681 Email: john.nash@metoffice.gov.uk HeadGRUANLeadCenter AmObservatorium12 15848TaucheOTLindenberg Tel.:+493367760244 Fax:+493367760280 Email: Holger.Voemel@dwd.de DepartmentofInternationalCooperation ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration 46Zhongguacun,Nandajie BEIJING100081 China Tel.:+861068406242 Fax:+861062174797 Email: zhouheng@cma.gov.cn MeteorologicalObservationCentre ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration 46Zhongguacun,Nandajie BEIJING100081 China Tel.:+861058995366 Email: libai@cma.gov.cn GuangdongProvincialMeteorologicalBureau ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration DepartmentofIntegratedObservations ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration 46Zhongguacun,Nandajie BEIJING100081 China Tel.: +861068409701 Fax:+861062174797 Email: chenyq@cma.gov.cn MeteorologicalObservationCentre ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration 46Zhongguacun,Nandajie BEIJING100081 China

MrJohnNASH CIMOPresident

MrHolgerVMEL GCOSRepresentative

MrHengZHOU CochairpersonOPAGUpperair

MrLIBai

MrLIANGJianyin

MrCHENYongqing

MrCHENQinghua

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MrLIWei

MrRUANShilin

MrYUJun

MrsYANDongxue MrsLIUChunyan MrZHANGWei

MeteorologicalObservationCentre ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration No.46Zhongguacun,Nandajie BEIJING100081 China Tel.:+861068400918 Fax:+861068400936 Email: lw1024@263.net YangjiangMeteorologicalBureau, GuangdongProvince ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration DepartmentofInternationalCooperation ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration 46Zhongguacun,Nandajie BEIJING100081 China Tel.:+861068406662 Fax:+861062174797 Email:yj@cma.gov.cn MeteorologicalObservationCentre, ChinaMeteorologicalAdministration ChinaNationalHuayunTechnologyDevelopment Corporation ChinaNationalHuayunTechnologyDevelopment Corporation 46Zhongguacun,Nandajie BEIJING100081 China Tel.: +861068407468 Fax: +861062177789 Email: zhangwei@cnhyc.com

WMOSECRETARIAT 7bis,avenuedelaPaix CH1211Geneva2 Switzerland MrsIsabelleREDI

WMOwebsite:www.wmo.int WWWwebsite: http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/index_en.html SeniorScientificOfficer WMOObservingSystemsDivision InstrumentsandMethodsofObservationsUnit Tel.:+41227308278 Fax:+41227308021 Email:iruedi@wmo.int

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InvestigationReportonYangjiangInternationalIntercomparisonStationSite (I) TheStationsClimaticData

1.Basicclimaticdataofthestation Yangjiang station starteditsupperair soundingin May 1966. Yangjiang stationis situatedin the south of the Tropic of Cancer, with an altitude of 88m.At 2150 north latitude and11158 east longitude,itisoftropicalclimatewithplentifulrainfallalltheyeararound.Itshumidityat500hPais 33%inMarchandtheamountofprecipitationfromMaytoSept.isabout54%~67%.Theannual mean ground temperature stands at about 22.6C, while the annual mean surface humidity is around 81%. The troposphere height at Yangjiang station is about 16780m, while the height of zerodegree layer is about 4808m. The number of days with the sounding temperature below 80C reaches more than 140 days all the year round, while the annual ground wind speed is about3.9m/sonaverage,withthemaximumgroundwindspeedreaching7.6m/s(SeeTable1.1 fordetails). Table1.1MonthlyStatisticsofClimaticDataofYangjiangStationinRecent3Years Month Mean temp. Mean Mean Mean humi precipit surface dity ation wind speed 71 33.1 4.4 81 36.3 3.8 85 70.7 3.9 88 101.5 3.9 86 489.5 3.8 90 501.9 3.7 85 191.4 3.8 87 375.8 3.7 80 189.8 3.9 77 52.3 3.8 65 44.5 4.5 66 12.2 4.4 81 209.0 3.9 Mean maximum wind speed 7.8 7.1 7.1 7.6 7.4 7.9 7.5 7.8 7.7 7.3 8.2 8.0 7.6 500hPa monthly mean humidity 15 18 33 41 58 67 59 58 54 38 30 13 40 Upperair sounding troposphere height 16968 16747 16927 16997 17061 16855 16596 16475 16582 16715 16576 16861 16780 Upperair sounding 0 layer height 4448 4027 4361 4715 5021 5215 5271 5270 5183 5096 4711 4375 4808

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Annual mean

14.9 16.1 19.0 22.3 25.3 27.2 28.2 27.4 26.8 25.2 20.8 17.5 22.6

2.Typhoonlandingstatus In2006,TyphoonPrapiroonmadelandfallatthesouthChinacoastalareabetweenYangxiCounty andDianbaiCountyinwesternGuangdongat7:20p.m.on3Aug..Withacentralpressureof975 hPaandaspeedof33meterspersecond,themaximumwindpowerreached12degreesatthe BeaufortScalenearitseye. TropicalStormKammuriformedinthenorthernpartoftheSouthChinaSeaon5August2008and intensified into strong tropical storm on the morning of 6 August. After an evening landfall from XitouTown,YangxiCountyinGuangdongprovincewiththestrengthofseveretropicalstorm,the maximumwindpowerreached10degrees(25m/sec)ontheBeaufortScalenearitseye. In2009,thetropicalstormSoudelormadelandfallonthemorningof12 JulybetweenYangjiang andXuweninGuangdong.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXII,p.2

(II)ClearanceConditionsoftheStation
1. Upperairwindobservationenvironment

Yangjiangstationisbuiltatopanindependentmountain,freefromocclusionfromhighmountains orotherbuildings.TheantennaofitsLbandradarsoundingsystemforitsoperationiserectedon thetopofdutyroom(2storeybuilding).Thereisanewgenerationweatherradarbuilding50mtrue east of the antenna with an occlusion elevation angleexceeding 5 degrees and an electric wire irontower northwestoftheantennawithanocclusionelevationanglealsoexceeding5degrees, whilethereisnoocclusioninotherdirections(SeeFig.1.1forEightazimuthdiagramsofthesite for flying sounding balloon and Fig. 1.2 for Ground obstacles occlusion diagram). Yangjiang stationsgroundprevailingwindsarenortheasterandsoutheaster.Theweatherradarbuildingisat thewindwardsideofthesiteofflyingsoundingballoonfortheinternationalsondeintercomparison, therefore,generallytherewillbenoinfluenceonsoundingballoonflying(SeeFig.1.3forwindrose diagram).

Fig.1.1Eightazimuthdiagramsofthesiteforantennaerecting

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXII,p.3

Fig.1.2Groundobstaclesblockinganglediagram

Fig.1.3Windrosediagram 2. Airspaceconditions

ThereisnoairportatYangjiang.Thereisnolargeairportwithin100kmoftheairsoundingstation butonlyasmallcivilairportwithinabout15kmHeshanairport.Within60km,4airrouteswillpass above the station, and the upper horizontal distance to Guangzhou air route is about 10km and thattoShenzhenairrouteisabout20km(SeeFig.1.4).

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXII,p.4

North About 60km ToGuangzhou About 10km ToShenzhen About20km Yangjiang

About 60km

ToHongkong

Fig.1.4Airspacediagram 3. Electromagneticenvironment

ThepermissibleelectromagneticfrequencyforChinasGPSsoundingis400.3MHz~406MHz,and theoperatingfrequencyofoperatioanlLbandradarsoundingsystemis167510MHz, whilethere isnoelectromagneticinterferencewithinthese2frequencyrangesatYangjiangstation.

(III)HydrogenProductionandSupplyConditions
At present, Yangjiang station has already ceased hydrogen production and started to buy hydrogen. There are many hydrogen providers at Yangjiang that can provide compressed hydrogenintanks.Accordingtotheupdatingandupgradingarrangementforhydrogenproduction equipmentsfromChinaMeteorologicalAdministration,thehydrogenproductionequipmentsofthe souding station in 2009 will all be replaced by Handanmade waterelectrolytic hydrogen productionequipments.

(IV)LivingandTransportationConditions
SituatedwithintheurbandistrictofYangjiang,thetrafficofYangjiangairsoundingstationisreally convenient. Several hotels above 3star level within 2km can fully meet the accommodation, catering the needs of the international intercomparison participants. Yangjiangs main inter provincial means of communication are train and longdistance bus. To pass the customs, the foreignpersonnelcanenterShenzhencustomsviaHongkong,andthentheycanreachYangjiang by interprovincial means of communication or it is for Guangdong Provincial Meteorological Bureau to dispatch cars to pick them up at Shenzhen and send them to Yangjiang. Yangjiang station is equipped with vehicles for operation, and it can make corresponding arrangements to pickupandsendoffintercomparisonpersonnelduringtheinternationalintercomparisonperiod.

(V)ProfessionalStaff
There are6 professional staff at Yangjiang station who can undertake such operations as flying sounding balloon, hydrogen production and sonde binding. In addition, professional staff with favorabletechnicalskillscanbetransferredfromGuangdongProvincialMeteorologicalBureauand other stations throughout the country to undertake such operations as flying sounding balloon duringthisintercomparison.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXII,p.5

(VI)SiteAlteration
There is not much redundant area within the Yangjiang station. During the international intercomparison, operational sondes of 8 models as well as researchmodel sonde and other groundremotesensingsoundingequipmentswillbeinvolvedintheintercomparison,therefore,the sitelayout shall be designedoverall to makefull use ofthe existing area.At present, Yangjiang stationhascarriedoutalterationplanningovertheexistingsitewithinthestationand dividedthe siteintothefollowingfunctionalareas(SeeFig.1.5): 1. Areaforflyingsoundingballoon:

1 Intercomparison balloonflying area takes advantage of the original balloon flying area . The hydrogenproductionroomsituatedtothesouthoftheballoonflyingareaismovedsouthwardsand newwaterelectrolytichydrogenproductionequipmentsareinstalled.

2.

Areaforhydrogenproductionandstorage:

2 Theoriginalhydrogenproductionroomisstillinoperation,thenewhydrogenproductionroom isnowintheprocessoflandlevelingoperation.Asthehydrogenconsumptionvolumeforsonde intercomparison increases, the realtime hydrogen yield of the waterelectrolytic hydrogen equipments can not meet the demand of the intercomparison, thereupon, it is scheduled to buy hydrogenduringtheintercomparisonperiod.

3.

Areaforsoundingdatasummary:

AccordingtotherequirementsofWMOsondeinternationalintercomparison,thehostcountryshall beresponsiblefortheorganizationandsummaryoftheintercomparisonsoundingdataaswellas the compilation of preliminary report of the intercomparison. This area is comparatively 3 independent, and it is expected to be in the outer room of the stations current duty room or 4 withintheoriginaldutyroom . 4. Areaforworkinggroupmeeting:

During the intercomparison period, various problems encountered shall be negotiated and coordinated. The area for working group meeting is scheduled to be on the first floor of the 5 weatherradarbuilding . 5. Areaforgroundreceivingequipments:

This area is the working area of all producers participating in the intercomparison. Yangjiang stationworksout2solutionsopenandclosesolutions.Theopenoneliesintheouterroomofthe 3 current dutyroom ,andallthegroundreceivingequipmentsandpersonnelarewithinthesame indoor space. It is convenient for management, but the current conditions make it too crowded 4 2 whilethecloseoneliesintheoriginaldutyroom whichboasts8independentroomsof10m ,7 ofwhichareequippedwithindependentbathrooms. 6. Areaforerectingreceivingequipmentsantennas:

Itadoptsopensolution,withtheareaforerectingreceivingequipments'antennasbeingonthetop 3 ofthebuildingofthecurrentdutyroom .Itiscomparativelycrowdedtoerectover8antennas.If closesolutionisadopted,theareaforerectingreceivingequipments'antennasshallbeatopofthe 4 buildingoftheoriginaldutyroom (only1storey)wherethereisabundantarea. 7. Areaforgroundremotesensingequipments:

Area to the north of the original duty room is the area for erecting ground remote sensing 6 equipment .

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXII,p.6

(VII) InvestigationConclusion
Situated at the top of the mountain, Yangjiang station has a favorable clearance condition. The stations climate environment accords with the high moisture conditions required by the internationalsondeintercomparison. The stationpossesses a strong technicalcapacity. Thereis not much redundant area within the Yangjiang station which is now carrying out alteration according to the international intercomparison site. Yangjiang station has accumulated relevant experiencethroughevaluationandtestofChinashomemadeGPSsondeandpossessesobvious advantage.BesidesYangjiangstation,ChinaMeteorologicalAdministrationalsoconsidersHaikou meteorologicalairsoundingstationinHainanasthealternativeintercomparisonsite.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXII,p.7

3Current duty room

4Original dutyroom

2 Newhydrogen productionroom

6Ground remote sensingarea

1Balloon flyingarea

5 Weather radar building

Fig.1.5PlaneviewofsoundingstationofYangjiangMeteorologicalBureau

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXIII

IMPORT&EXPORTPROPOSALOFTHE8thWMORADIOSONDEINTERCOMPARISON EQUIPMENT With regard to the import and export issue of abroad intercomparison equipment, a proposal is raisedaftermeticulousinvestigationandanalysisasthefollowing: 1. EquipmentTransport 1.1 Import TheChinaNationalHUAYUNTechnologyDevelopmentCorporationwillbeinchargeofall equipments transport. For the purpose of duly grasping transport information and controllingcustomclearancetime,ourshippingagency, whichhascooperatedwithChina NationalHUAYUNTechnologyDevelopmentCorporationforyears,willpickupequipment ateverymanufactureranddirectlystorethemintoitswarehouse.Allequipmentsshouldbe packed according to the airline requirements. Normally, it takes around 1 week on the airlinefrom every manufacturer tothe Beijing Custom, and 20daysforcustom clearance and domestictransport. (The equipments should bedispatched before theend of May in 2010.) If equipment does not work caused by transport after arriving in intercomparison field,compensation willbeclaimedtoinsurancecompanyifitisnotcausedbytransport, manufacturerwilltaketheresponsibility. 1.2 Export Nonconsumable equipments will be returned abroad within 6 months, and should be packed in the same packing case as they are imported. The China National HUAYUN Technology Development Corporation will be responsible for delivering nonconsumable equipmentsfromintercomparisonfield to BeijingAirport,and deal with custom clearance. One necessary condition for custom clearance is that all nonconsumable equipments model,quantity,andweightshouldbeaccordantwhentheyareimported. 2. Import&ExportCustomsFormalities Since not all of the equipment will be returned to manufacturer, equipments are cleared throughcustomsviatwoways. 2.1 ConsumableEquipment The consumable equipment like Radiosonde will be declared to customs via the way of donationandtaxwouldbepaidbasedontherelevantChinaCustomrules. 2.2 NonconsumableEquipments The nonconsumable Equipments will be declared to customs as Temporary Import & ExportwhenarrivinginBeijing.TheywillalsobereturnedtomanufacturerthroughBeijing Customafterintercomparison.CertaindepositisrequiredfromtheBeijingCustomandwill be returned in 30 working days after ending the case of export custom clearance of nonconsumableequipments. Additionally, concerning radio transmitting equipment such as radars, several documents arenecessaryforcustomclearancelikebelow:

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXIII,p.2

2.2.1 Temporary Frequency Usage Certificate, will be applied in local provincial level RadioRegulatingCommittee. 2.2.2 Ratification of Radio Equipment Import, will be applied in the State Radio Regulatory Commission with documents of Official Explanation Letter of Import EquipmentApplication,TemporaryFrequencyUsageCertificate,andApplication Form of RadioEquipmentImport. That should be conducted withanofficialletter issued by China Meteorological Administration. The whole process will take 10 weeks.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXIII,p.3

3. Costs Catalog International Transport Cost & Insurance Domestic Transport Cost & Insurance Relevant Tax Customs Deposit Customs Clearance Cost, Storage Cost, Commodity Inspection Fee and Import & Export Certification Fee for Mechanical and Electrical Products 2%(Import) Products Specification Packing Instructions Import & Export Agency Service Fee to HUAYUN

Consumable Equipment

3%(Single)

1%(Single)

25%

Nonconsumable 6%(Return) Equipment

2%(Return)

25%

4% (Import Export)

&

Product name, application, brand, principle, model, functions, technical specifications.

Avoid Solid wood

3%

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXIII,p.4

4. Document,PaymentandDeposit 4.1 DocumentRequirement The documents are necessary to be provided to the International Affairs Department in China National HUAYUN Technology Development Corporation by participant manufacturersbeforetheendofFebruaryin2010,whichdescribedepartureport,contact person details, location to pick up equipment, equipment name, model, serial number, value(marketprice),quantity,weightandpicture,etc.Ourcontactdetailsarelikebelow: Consignee:ChinaNationalHUAYUNTechonologyDevelopmentCorporation Contactperson: WeiZhang Phone: +861068407468 Fax: +861062177789 Emailaddress: zhangwei@cnhyc.com Address: No. 46 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100086, China 4.2 Payment Correlativechargeswillbefiguredoutaftermanufacturersprovidingtheproductvalueand other product information to the China National HUAYUN Technology Development Corporation. The payment should be received 1 week before equipment transport. Our bankinformationisasthefollowing: BankName: BranchName: BankAddress: BankCode: AccountNo.: CompanyName: SwiftCode: TelexCode: HSBC OceanCentreBranch Shop 355, 3/F, Ocean Centre, 5 Canton Road, Tsim ShaTsuiKowloon 004 491886248838 ChinaHUAYUN(HongKong)CompanyLimited HSBCHKHHHKH 73205HSBCHX

4.3 Deposit After nonconsumable equipments are delivered abroad and Beijing custom returns the deposit,theChinaNationalHUAYUNTechnologyDevelopmentCorporationwillreturnthe deposittoeverymanufacturerintime.

Notes: Thisproposalisdesignedand raisedbasedonthecurrent Chinapolicies. Ifthereis any changeonrelevantpolicies,wewillnoticeyouandraiseanalternativeproposalinadvance. RequiredInformation RelevantInformation Departureport Contactpersondetails Locationtopickupequipment PackingMaterial Invoice PackingList AirwayBill EquipmentInformation: Equipmentname Brand Model Requiredtime BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 2weeksbeforetransport BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 1weekbeforeshipment 1weekbeforeshipment Within1dayaftershipment

BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXIII,p.5

Serialnumber Application Functions Principle Value Quantity Weight Volume Picture EquipmentSpecification: FrequencyRange Bandwidth TransmittingPower Manufacturer

1weekbeforeshipment BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010

BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010 BeforetheendofFebruary,2010

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXIV

CHINAINTERCOMPARISON2010Potentialinstrumentparticipation
1 Company ChinaLBAND QRSSystem GTS Freq/Weight RSISystem 1675+3MHZ (R/Sonde) 1680+10 MHZ (Radar) 370grms 400.15406 120grms 400.15406 300grms 400406 DFMxx OtherDetails 2 System/Comments
nd

ChinaGPS1

XGP2

ChinaGPS2

CF06A

GRAW

DFM06

5 6

INTERMET MODEM

iMet2 M2K2DC

400406 225grms 400406 210grms 400406 150grms 400406

?? ??

MEISEI

RS06G

??

Surface antenna:Omni Antenna Surface antenna:Omni Antenna Receiver, PC +3 antenna. 40mcable iMet3200 PC+Antenna Receiver, PC +antenna. 30mcable Receiver, PC +antenna. 30mcable

Redesigned DFM06, new name, new housing, longer sensor boom.Frequencyinterfacetoexternal adapterelectronics for interfacingwithexternalsensors iMet2AA(nopressuresensor)readyforintercomparison NewRadiosondedesignreadyfortesting(150grms) Workingonareferencesystem Newdesignwithimprovedtemperaturesensor(200grms)

METEOLABOR SRSC34 +Snow White SIPPICAN LMS6

+SnowWhite

10 VAISALA 11 Russia

400406 230grms RS92SGPD 400406 290grms MARL/Vektor 1680

+ATM? APS MW31 30mcable

12 Reference1 13 Reference2 14 Reference3

CFH SnowWhite ATM

CanbeconfiguredtoworkwithSnowWhite CanbeconfiguredtoworkwithMultiThermistors Proposetobringreferencesystemwithpolymersensor Weight550grms(max) NotabletooperateatsametimeasChinaLBand.Thusowingto operational priorities and timing of test flights it is not feasible to operatetheRussiansysteminthisintercomparison. WorkingwithINTERMETiMet1RB(245grms) MeteolabororSippican

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXV
TH RULESANDPROCEDURESOFTHE8 WMOINTERCOMPARISONOFRADIOSONDE SYSTEMSUPDATEDVERSIONASOF4SEPTEMBER2009

7.

th 8 WMOINTERCOMPARISONOFRADIOSONDESYSTEMS

In the preparation of planning for a future WMO global and regional radiosonde intercomparison,the ET/IOC tookinto account theneedfor globalintercomparisondrivenby the changesmadeinthedesignsoftheoperationhighQualityRadiosondes(QRS).Thereisaneedto adviseGCOSonthesuitableradiosondesforuseintheGRUANnetworkandtodeveloptheuse ofbestqualityScientificSoundingInstruments(SSI)tosupplementtheoperationalradiosondesin theGRUANnetwork. InadditiontothegeneralrulesandproceduresforWMOIntercomparisonsasdefinedin theGuidetoInstrumentsandMethodsofObservation(WMONo.8),PartIII,Chapter5,Annex5.A and 5.B, and Part I, Chapter 12, Annex 12.C, the ET/IOC agreed on the following rules and th proceduresforthe8 WMOIntercomparisonofRadiosondeSystems: 7.1 Objectives

7.1.1 Themainobjective of thisintercomparisonis to testin thetropical / subtropical moist conditions therelative performances of operational QRS in conjunction with the SSI. The results will be used to advise Members on a selection of QRS suitable for RBSN/RBCN and its GUAN subnetwork as well as advise GCOS on a selection of systems suitable for GCOS Reference UpperAirNetwork(GRUAN). 7.1.2 a) TheET/IOCagreedonfurtherobjectivesasfollows: To improve the accuracy of daytime operational QRS measurements and the associated correction procedures to provide temperature and relative humidity accuraciescurrentlypossiblewithnighttimemeasurements. ToassesstheaccuracyandavailabilityoftheGPSwindmeasuringsystems. Toevaluatetheperformanceofgeometricandgeopotentialheightvaluesobtainedfrom GPSradiosondes(withapossibilitytochecktheassociatedalgorithms). ToevaluatethequalityandreliabilityofSSI,andtousethisinformationtoevaluatethe qualityoftheworkingreferencesfortheradiosondetest. To evaluate the daynight differences of temperature, relative humidity of operational QRS and SSIagainstavailableremotesensingobservationsandtoidentify,asfaras possible,theoriginsofdifferences. TorecommendsuitableQRSsystemstobeusedintheRBSN/RBCNandGUAN. Toassessthemagnitudeofchangesintroducedbynewradiosondedesigns. ToidentifythebestpracticesusedinthepreparationofoperationalQRS radiosondes forlaunch. Toevaluatetheaddedvalueofusingremotesensingequipmentinradiosondesystems intercomparisons as recommended by ETRSUT&T experts (following testbed evaluations). TopublishtheExecutiveSummarywithinthreemonths,thedraftFinalReportwithinsix monthsandtheapprovedFinalReportwithinninemonthsaftertheIntercomparisonin theWMOInstrumentsandObservingMethodsReport(IOM)series.

b) c) d) e)

f) g) h) i)

j)

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXV,p.2

7.2

Qualification

th The ET/IOC agreed on thetentative qualification procedure for participation in the 8 WMOIntercomparisonofRadiosondeSystems,whichprompttherespectivemanufacturerstotake partinnationaltestpriortotheWMORSO8,namely:

a)

The candidate operational QRS should preferably pass through the national intercomparisonsorganizedintheCIMOrecognizedintercomparisonsites/testbeds,list ofwhichisintheAnnexVI,or Thecandidate operational QRS shouldpass through the Regional WMO Radiosonde Intercomparison. ProjectTeam

b)

7.3

7.3.1 TheET/IOC agreedonthe compositionand duties oftheProject Team (PT). The PT willberesponsibleforpreparingtheintercomparisoninliaisonwiththeWMOSecretariat.ThePT willorganisetheconductoftheintercomparison,thequalitycontrolandanalysisoftheresults,and preparation of Executive Summary, draft Final and Final Reports. It will take part in the whole period of the intercomparison and the financial support for their participation should be equally sharedamongtheWMO,GCOSandrelevantCOSTActions. 7.3.2 TheWMORSO8ProjectTeamwillconsistsof: ProjectLeader(PL),TimOakleyfromtheUKMetOffice(IOCChair) TheRadiosondeTestExpert,JohnNashfromtheUKMetOffice TheDataManagerproposedSergeyKurnosenko,asheistheownerofthereference nd dataprocessingsoftwareforWMOintercomparisons(RSKOMP)2 optionisanexpert nominatedbytheUKMetOffice The dataprocessing expert for operational QRS, Gonzague Romanens from MeteoSwiss HolgerVmelasthedataprocessingexpertforSSI Dataprocessingexpertfortheremotesensinginstruments,TBD LIWei,ChinaFocalPointfortheintercomparison. Place,dateandduration Place 7.4.1 TheET/IOCagreedonthesiteofYangjiang(China)forholdingtheWMORSO8. DateandDuration 7.4.2 The WMORSO8 will last for 3 weeks, from 12 to 31 of July. An extension might be subjecttoweatherconditions. 7.5 Participation

7.4

7.5.1 Thefollowing manufacturers have been accepted as participants in the WMORSO8 withtheiroperationqualityradiosondesystems: a) b) GRAWwithDFM06GPSradiosonde,(400406MHz) INTERMETwiththeiMet1GPSradiosonde,(400406MHz)

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXV,p.3

c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j)

LOCKHEEDMARTINSIPPICANINCwithLMS6GPSradiosonde,(400406MHz) MODEMwithM2K2DCGPSradiosonde,(400406MHz) MEISEIELECTRONICCO.,LTDwithRS06GGPSRadiosonde,(400406MHz) METEOLABORAGwithSRSC34,(400406MHz) VAISALAOYJwithRS92SGPGPSradiosonde,(400406MHz) China,OperationalGTSRadiosondewithSecondaryWindFindingRadar1680MHz

st 1 GTSradiosondetobenominatedaftercompletionofpreliminarytestinginChina nd 2 GTSradiosondetobenominatedaftercompletionofpreliminarytestinginChina.

7.5.2 China will decide on the participation with the operational GTS Radiosonde with SecondaryWindFindingRadar1680MHzandGPSradiosondes(400406MHz). 7.5.3 The manufacturers of operational QRS will provide their radiosonde systems with 40 piecesofradiosondesfortheintercomparisonontheirownaccount. 7.5.4 a) b) c) ThefollowingSSIshouldbeacceptedtoparticipateintheWMORSO8: METEOLABORSnowWhite,(400406) CryogenicFrostpointHygrometer(CFH),(workswithoneoftheRadiosondesabove) Amultithermistorradiosonde(ATM),(400406MHz).

7.5.5 Fundingfor the participation of the SSI willbe shared between providers and GCOS. Thereisaneedfor60piecesofSSImeasurementoftemperatureand60piecesforwatervapour measurement.AsthereismorethanonepotentialSSI systemforawatervapourmeasurement, the Project Leader and dataprocessing expert for SSI willneed to agree on the numbers to be used. 7.5.6 a) b) c) d) e) f) g) ThefollowingremotesensinginstrumentsmayparticipateintheWMORSO8: GPSMET, CloudRadar, Ceilometer, MicrowaveProfiler, LIDAR, Dopplerweatherradar, Windprofiler.

7.5.7 RemotesensinginstrumentswillbeprovidedbyvolunteeredNMHSsormanufacturers whowillalsoarrangeforthetransporttothehostcountryandfortheinstallation.Fundingforthe participationoftheremotesensinginstrumentswillalsoberequestedfromrelevantCOSTActions. Systems need to be established at the test site well in advance of the test. CMA will consider whetheritwouldbeabletoprovidesomeoftheseinstruments.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXV,p.4

7.6

Responsibilities Participants

7.6.1 Participants (manufacturers of operational QRS and providers of SSI) will be responsiblefortimelydeliveryofinstrumentstotheintercomparisonsiteaccordingtotheprovided customprocedures. 7.6.2 Participants will run their systemsina near continuous mode (day andnight)and will providedataaccordingtoaformattobeagreedbytheDataManager. 7.6.3 Participants will share the cost of supplies of consumables, such as: balloons, gas, parachutes,unwinders, etc. Theywill alsoprovidefundingfor the participationof Data Manager (onemonthofsalaryandtravelexpenses). Hostcountry 7.6.4 The host country will be responsible for all preparations relevant to the infrastructure neededfortheintercomparison,officesfortheinternationalparticipantsandWMOPTandforthe logistic support during the intercomparison (installation of instruments, internet connection, productionofgasandfillingofballoons,productionofbamboorigs,etc). 7.7 Rulesduringtheintercomparison

7.7.1 It was agreedthatparticipantsin the test wouldprovidebothfully processedand raw datafromeachradiosondetestflight.

th 7.7.2 Data formats would be similar to those used during the 7 WMO Radiosonde IntercomparisonandwouldbefinalisedwellinadvanceofthetestwiththeagreementoftheData th Manager. Care should be taken to avoid mistakes made during the 7 WMO Radiosonde Intercomparison(seeAnnexVII).

7.7.3 A uniform method of time stamping the data samples would be agreed to by the participants,utilisinganagreedmethodofexploitingGPStiming. 7.7.4 Data samples need to be submitted to the Data Manager within 1hour after the completionofthetestflight. 7.7.5 The Project Team will take responsibility for resolving disputes between participants (e.g.potentialradiofrequencyinterferencebetweensomeradiosondetypes). 7.7.6 TheProjectTeamwillattempttoidentifysystematicproblemsinmeasurementswitha givenradiosondetypeearlyinthetest,andthenwilljudgewhetheritisappropriatetorectifythis problem. 7.7.7 Regular data meetings will be held with relevant participants to quantify progress in buildingupthecomparisondatabases. 7.7.8 TheDataManagerorremotesensingdataprocessingexpertwillalsohavetoarrange forarchivingofrelevantremotesensingobservations,inadatabasethatcanbeaccessedbythe otherparticipantsasappropriate. 7.8 DataPolicy

Thefollowingaretheguidanceprinciplesfordatapolicyoftheintercomparisonagreed bytheET/IOC:

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXV,p.5

The complete intercomparison database is kept by the WMO Secretariat, the ET/IOC Chair, the Project Leader and Site Manager. WMO may, if requested by the ET/IOC, exportwholeorpartofthecomparisondatabaseontheCIMO/IMOP website,orother websitecontrolledbytheET/IOCmembers,assoonastheFinalReportispublished. After the Intercomparison, every participant could get a copy of the comparison database. Raw data obtained during the tests would not be circulated to other participants. The WMO authorizes the Project Leader (in collaboration with local Focal Point and dataprocessing experts), with the agreement of the ET/IOC Chair (following an IOC membersconsensus),topublishfullresultsinaFinalReportoftheintercomparisonon behalfoftheET/IOC. The ET/IOC members may publish their partial scientific results if demanded by the scientific community before the end of the intercomparison, provided the publication was authorized by the Project Leader and that the participating instruments remain anonymousinthatpublication. Priortothepublicationofthefullresults,thecomparisondatabasemaybeprovidedto other parties for the purpose of scientific studies on the subject. This requires the approvaloftheET/IOCChair. The QRS participants are only allowed to publish data from their own instrument. In doingso,theywillavoidqualitativeassessmentoftheirinstrumentsincomparisonwith otherparticipatinginstruments. Thirdpartiesmaypublishtheirownstudiesafterthepublicationofthefinalreportwith theagreementofthedataproviders. Radiofrequencyissues

7.9

7.9.1 Theradiofrequencyenvironment attheintercomparisonsitewascheckedforpotential interferencewellinadvanceoftheintercomparisonbythehost. 7.9.2 If radiosondes are flown which use LBand secondary radars, then other participants willhavetobecheckedforradiofrequencycompatibilitywiththissysteminadvanceofthetest. 7.9.3 Transmissions from 403 MHz radiosonde systems need to be tuneable to designated frequency,ofnarrowbandwidth(100kHz)andstablefrequency(lessthan10kHzdriftinflight). 7.10 Potentialsamplingproblem

7.10.1 The method of suspending the radiosondes from the support rig must allow for the motion of the radiosondes during the ascent to be similar to that experienced in an individual radiosondeflight. 7.10.2 Operational radiosondes are not designed to measure accurately during descent, so eithertheSSIchosenmustfunctionreliablyduringascent,oramethodbeagreedtoforcomparing betweenQRSascentdataandSSIdescentdata. 7.10.3 ItshouldbeconsideredwhetherGPSsignalsshouldbeusedtotrackthemotionofthe testrigandradiosondesduringeachcomparisonflight. 7.11 Dataprocessingandanalysis

7.11.1 The three data processing experts in the Project Team will be responsible for organizingthedataanalysisinconsultationwiththeProjectLeader.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXV,p.6

7.11.2 In particular, comparisons between the different types of data will require that the individualdatabasesneedtobecompatiblewiththeRSKOMPdatabase. 7.12 Dataprocessinganddatabaseavailability

7.12.1 EachoperationalQRS participantwillonlybeabletoaccesstheirownmeasurements untilthedataanalysisiscompleted. 7.12.2 When the final report is published the full data sets (both raw and processed high resolutiondata)shouldbemadeavailabletothegeneralscientificcommunity. 7.13 Scheduleoftheintercomparison

7.13.1 Before the intercomparison schedule is finalized, tests will have to be performed to identify the safe radiofrequency separation between individual radiosonde types that is practical. Forinstanceif500KHzSeparationwerepossible,thenitmightbepossibletoflynineradiosondes at401.5, 402, 402.5, 403, 403.5, 404, 404.5, 405and 405.5, and it would also be necessary to establishthephysicalseparationnecessarybetweentheradiosondestoavoidspuriousinteraction between the systems. However, this does not seem to be very practical when relatively long radiosonde suspensions from the support rig are required to ensure that the ventilation of the radiosondesinthetestissimilartothatofanindividualradiosonde. 7.13.2 Thus,apracticalschedulefortestcouldbeobtainedbysplittingthenineradiosondes intotwogroupssothatatmost6radiosondetypeswereflowntogether.Thelinkbetweenthetwo groups would have to be agreed by the Project Leader/IOC but would sensibly be based on a multithermistor radiosonde for temperature and suitable SSI for relative humidity/water vapour. Timeseparationbetweentestflightsneedstobeabout4hours. 7.13.3 Thescheduleneedstobepreparedwellinadvanceofthetestincoordinationbetween theProjectLeaderandtheexpertsresponsibleforoperationalQRSandSSI. 7.13.4 Approximately equal numbers of day and night comparison flights need to be completed. 7.13.5 Thenumberofflightsthatcanbeattemptedwilldependontheavailabilityofliftinggas, withanindividualtestflighttakingatleast3hourstocomplete,starttofinish.Withpossiblyanother hourforthedataprocessingstafftocompletetheiractivities,sothatmorethanfourtestflightsin 24hoursisdifficulttosustainoveranylengthyperiod.

CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXVI

CIMORECOGNIZEDINTERCOMPARISONSITES/TESTBEDS

a) b) c)

Lindenberg,Germany Camborne,UK Payerne,Switzerland

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CIMO/OPAGUPPERAIR/ETUASI&IOC4,ANNEXVII

DATAFORMATRECOMMENDATIONS
th One of the problems the Expert Team has faced during the 7 WMO Radiosonde Intercomparison was the substantial difference in the entry data standards. This problem was anticipated and solved however, it created extra significant workload and clearly increased the timeneededtocompletethepostflightanalysis.

Therewereseveralsourcesofinconsistencies: Different units of measure and data reporting standards adopted by different manufacturers.Forexample: (i) (ii) Windspeedinknotsandm/s. Standardandoppositewinddirectionconventions.

(iii) Heightabovesealevelandabovesurface. (iv) Geopotentialandgeometricheight. (v) Timesince start,time ofday (in thebothformsHH:MM:SS.hhandseconds sincemidnight).

Numerousdataseparators,suchasspace,tab,comma,<,>,+ Includingpreflightdata Toomanydatacolumns(upto80)mostofwhichdidnotcontainanyinformation.

All of the above inconsistencies increase the risk of misinterpretation of the data and mustberemovedbytheparticipantsbeforethedataaresubmittedtothecommondatabase. It is understood that modern radiosondes have multiple channels with the specific housekeeping parameters, so we do not suggest that all data sources follow the same strictly defined data format. Nevertheless, based on the Expert Team experience, the following general requirementswerestronglyrecommended: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Participants should negotiate use of the same units of measure and interpretation of variables. All data files from the same data source should have same number of header lines (whichmaybedifferentfordifferentdatasources,ofcourse). Same variable is always reported in the same column (which may be different for differentdatasources,ofcourse). Clearlydefinedconventionfortherepresentationofthemisseddata.Itisrecommended thatalldatasourcesfollowthesamemethod. There is nolimitationimposed onthedataprecisionbutitis recommended to keepit reasonable(wesometimesobserveprecisionof0.001inreporting,forexample,relative humidity). Preflight data should be removed otherwise it creates additional synchronization problems. Use themostcommon data separators suchasSpaceand Tab characters toensure readabilitybyanysoftwarepackage.

6. 7.

These requirements will be helpful no matter what software is used to evaluate the combineddataset.IfparticipantswillchoosetouseRSKOMPsoftware,theycanfurtherbenefitby followingratherflexibleRSKOMPdataformattingrulesandusingsomeoptionalpossibilities(such asmetadata),implementedinthispackage. ______________