Satellite weather sensing is invaluable, but sometimes it is still essential to have measuring instruments on the spot. Now a complete weather station can be transported in a rugged suitcase.
The Expeditionary Meteorology System, or Xmet, was developed by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego and the US Office of Naval Research. It provides real-time weather reports so pilots do not risk running into sudden storms, fog or other hazards. Much of the necessary technology already existed in weather buoys which were used as far back as the second world war, but needed to be made small and convenient.
Once unpacked and set on its tripod, Xmet does everything automatically. It orients itself and establishes its own satellite communications link, sending back hourly weather reports. Its instruments record the wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure and humidity. It also has optical sensors to measure visibility and the altitude of the cloud base. There is even a rain gauge, and solar power means the robot weather station can keep working indefinitely.
Xmet was used this summer on the Colony Glacier in Alaska, at the site of a 1952 plane crash only accessible by helicopter. Unpredictable weather conditions make access difficult, but this year a recovery team was able to investigate the site safely, partly thanks to weather data from Xmet.
In future Xmet may help keep relief helicopters and other aircraft flying after natural disasters in areas with no weather infrastructure.
