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A large problem with the way we measure our weather today is that sufficient technology has been developed to collect accurate weather data on almost all atmospheric levels except for mid and lower atmospheric boundary layers.
For example, at 1,000 km there are satellites. at 100 km there are radar sensors, at 10 km there are aircrafts, and at ground level there are weather stations. But at 6 km, that lower layer, there is yet to be the consistent collection of valid weather data- which would be crucial in predicting local weather- and being prepared for thunderstorms, fog, strong winds and rain.
Weather Balloons and Stations
These two options are typically used for measuring weather data. However, weather balloons cannot be controlled and are often pushed by winds- creating uneven data and making them unreliable. In addition, weather stations, although accurate, are located on ground level, leaving the higher boundaries of the lower atmosphere unmeasurable.
Satellites
Satellites are also used for weather data collection- however they are only able to measure water vapor and cloud formation. This leaves crucial components of weather- such as, humidity, precipitation and temperature unaccounted for. Additionally, since satellites are often located at such high altitudes, clouds act as a visual barrier to the boundary layers below- once again leaving the lower atmosphere unmeasured.
Aircrafts
Aircrafts are often used to measure weather data; however, it is more typically employed during a storm. This is quite risky as sending a pilot and expensive equipment into tough weather conditions can have serious effects.
What all of these weather instrumentation devices show us, is that there lacks a good way to measure mid-lower levels of the atmosphere that delivers almost instantaneous data. This reaffirms our need to build an RC plane that is able to fly over the ocean in order to collect a variety of weather data in order to better predict storms and inclement weather. The closest implementation device that is available is pictured above (the aircraft), yet it runs the risk of putting people and expensive equipment into flight during potentially dangerous weather. The RC plane cuts out both of these risks and it is flown remotely and can be constructed for much cheaper than a full-sized aircraft.
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