Earth Networks to Launch Boundary Layer Monitoring Network to Provide Critical Insight for Weather Forecasters and Aid Renewable Energy Sector, Aviation and Other Markets
Network Deployment to Begin in Partnership with Instrumentation Developer Radiometrics American Meteorological Society (AMS) Meeting & Germantown, MD – January 24, 2012 – Earth NetworksSM, the operator of the largest weather, lightning and climate observation networks, announces the deployment of a new monitoring network for the continuous collection of real-time atmospheric data within the planetary boundary layer and above. Earth Networks is partnering with Boulder, CO-based Radiometrics Corporation to deploy the initial network of 10 thermodynamic profiling radiometers in California. Key parameters that will be measured by the network of radiometers include temperature, humidity and liquid profiles. The companies anticipate that the network will grow quickly to 100 or more instruments across the United States. The Earth Networks Boundary Layer Network
(ENBLN) will fill critical observational gaps that will enable meteorologists to greatly improve mesoscale forecasts and storm warnings.
In addition to serving as an important new resource for modelers and forecasters, boundary layer data will provide several benefits to businesses and will prove useful to researchers and climate scientists. Data from the network will help meet the expanding needs of the renewable energy and clean-tech sectors and other industries by providing more detailed atmospheric information to improve forecasts used by the nation’s solar plants, wind farms and electric utilities. Additional applications include aviation, air quality monitoring and water management, where greater forecast accuracy and precision is required. The network will also monitor critical stability parameters that will provide insight into the initiation of convective storms, which is one of the priorities of the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS).
Currently, boundary layer observations are made using radiosondes, commercial aircraft soundings, radar and a small number of wind profilers and tall towers. However, the spatial and temporal resolution of these observations are limited and do not meet the growing data requirements for improved forecasts at local scales. The ENBLN will become an essential resource to provide a more accurate description of the vertical structure and stability of the complex boundary layer.
"The planetary boundary layer is the single most important under-sampled part of the atmosphere," says Earth Networks President and CEO Bob Marshall
. "We are thrilled to be able to leverage our vast, existing environmental networks to efficiently deploy these sophisticated Radiometrics instruments and utilize the data to significantly improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and storm warnings for many critical needs. The ENBLN is a perfect complement to our weather, lightning and greenhouse gas networks."
“This partnership brings together the thermodynamic profiling technology and expertise of Radiometrics with the global networking and data collection strengths of Earth Networks,” says Radiometrics CEO Mike Exner. "The partnership will enable the availability of continuous boundary layer data
. What is more, the data will be available from any number of measurement sites, both as stand-alone data or combined with other meteorological data into powerful forecasting and modeling tools. Our partnership will revolutionize how continuous thermodynamic measurements are used for weather forecasting."
Earth Networks representatives will be available to discuss the new network at the 92nd Annual American Meteorological Society (AMS) Meeting in New Orleans in booth #421 and at DistribuTECH in San Antonio, Texas, in booth #4456. Radiometrics representatives will be available at AMS in booth #626. Those not attending these
events may learn more about the Earth Networks Boundary Layer Network by contacting Earth Networks Energy and Government Services Director John Bosse email@example.com.
About Earth NetworksSM
As the provider of advanced weather data for nearly 20 years, Earth Networks (formerly AWS) operates the world’s largest weather observation and lightning detection networks and is building what will become the largest greenhouse gas monitoring network. Earth Networks most recently announced the launch of a boundary layer network to capture atmospheric observations that are influenced by the Earth’s surface. Observations from Earth Networks inform and alert consumers, enterprises and governments around the world, providing them with advanced environmental intelligence for decision making and safety. The company’s popular WeatherBug website, desktop application and mobile apps provide millions of consumers with real-time, local weather information and dangerous severe weather alerts. Enterprise solutions from Earth Networks enable organizations, including energy and utilities, agriculture, schools, sports and recreation, emergency operations and government entities, to safeguard lives, prepare for weather and climate events and improve business operations. Earth Networks (www.earthnetworks.com
) is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with offices in Mountain View, Calif.; New York, NY; Milan, Italy and a local presence in 50 countries worldwide.
Radiometrics Corporation (www.radiometrics.com)
is a closely held private corporation based in Boulder, Colorado. The company has pioneered commercial ground-based thermodynamic microwave radiometry for over two decades. With more than 200 microwave radiometers in operation worldwide, the company is the world leader in ground based radiometer product innovation and sales. Rugged, compact, and reliable, Radiometrics thermodynamic profilers observe the boundary layer temperature, humidity and liquid that define local weather. Patented designs ensure optimum long-term, all-weather performance for operational and research applications.