TRMM Tethered Balloon Site: Meck Island

Daily Activity Report for August 24–25 GMT

Tower measurement systems are functioning, though the effects of intermittent power supply can be seen until approximately 0400Z on Aug 24th in the tower temperature and relative humidity measurements. Radiometer measurements are available as of about 2200Z on the 24th; note that during the barge unloading process the surrounding island topography was raised by about 1 meter. As a result, early morning (until approximately 1900 GMT) variations between flux measurements before 20 Aug and after 24 Aug must be carefully evaluated.

Tethersonde soundings were done at 2300Z on August 24, and 0200Z, 0500Z, and 0800Z on August 25. Pressure transducers on all sondes continued to experience problems in saturated conditions. All flights were affected, though usually the ascent or descent data are available. The 2000Z flight on 24 Aug was cancelled due to heavy air traffic, and the 1100Z and 1700Z flights were cancelled due to incoming rain, after consultation with Aeromet.