DSI-5850 contains meteorological upper-air data from a global network of about 42 stations. The National Climatic Data Center archives this digital data set, with the earliest records dating from 1957. Observations include wind components, temperature, pressure, density, and speed of sound, alongside detailed metadata on sensors and correction methods.
Use Cases
- Analyzing historical upper-air wind patterns based on polar wind direction and speed data.
- Studying atmospheric thermodynamics and stability using temperature, pressure, and density profiles.
- Comparing and correcting modern atmospheric models with historical rocketsonde observation data.
- Investigating sensor and correction method impacts on data quality based on the detailed methods metadata.
Strengths
- Data originates from a global network of about 42 stations, providing spatial coverage.
- The record includes observations dating back to 1957, offering a long-term historical perspective.
- The description details specific parameters like wind components, temperature, and pressure, indicating structured data.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Provenance
- Source
- National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), part of NOAA_NCEI.
- Collection Method
- Observations from a global station network were forwarded to agency collection points for computer reduction and uniform recording.
- Time Range
- From 1957 onward.
- Geography
- Global, from about 42 stations.