radiosonde

[ rey-dee-oh-sond ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. an instrument that is carried aloft by a balloon to send back information on atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity by means of a small radio transmitter.

radiosonde

/ ˈreɪdɪəʊˌsɒnd /

noun

1. an airborne instrument used to send meteorological information back to earth by radio Also calledradiometeorograph

radiosonde

/ rā′dē-ō-sŏnd′ /

1. An instrument that is carried into the atmosphere by a balloon, makes measurements of temperature, air pressure, humidity, and wind speed and direction, and transmits the measurements back to the ground. A radiosonde is typically sent to altitudes of approximately 30 km (18.6 mi). There are approximately 70 radiosonde stations across the continental United States. Each station launches two radiosondes daily.

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiosonde¹

First recorded in 1935–40; radio- + sonde

Word History and Origins

Origin of radiosonde¹

C20: radio- + French sonde sounding line

Example Sentences

"A typical weather forecasting balloon will have a lightweight radiosonde payload that is about 200 grams in weight. The balloon at release will be about 1.4 metres and will burst around 6 metres in diameter, and the flight time will be between 90-120 minutes," Jesse Geffen, a Kaymont account manager, told Reuters.

From Reuters

Weather balloons, which are about 5 feet in diameter when launched, carry a small, expendable package of instruments called a radiosonde that transmits data on temperature, pressure and relative humidity as the balloon rises into the upper atmosphere.

From New York Times

The balloon eventually bursts and the radiosonde descends by parachute to the ground, where it can be recovered and reused.

From New York Times

“The N.W.S. claim that the loss of several radiosonde stations in a high-population region has no impact on the forecast was accompanied by no supporting evidence,” he said.

From New York Times

Radiosonde data, which unlike satellite data is collected at various atmospheric altitudes, is considered some of the most important information for both weather predictions and climate modeling.

From Reuters