Observation Using Ozonesondes

Observation using ozonesondes

The Aerological Observation Division launches ozonesondes suspended from balloons to measure the vertical distribution of atmospheric ozone up to altitudes of round 35 km. Profiles of pressure, temperature, humidity and wind are also observed simultaneously.

Ozonesonde observation is started in principle at 06 UTC (15 JST) on Wednesdays, but may be postponed in the event of inclement weather.

Ozonesonde launch

Ozonesondes

An ozonesonde consists of an ozone measurement unit (including a motor-driven air sampling pump and an ozone sensor) and a GPS radiosonde unit. The ozone sensor measures the electrical current generated by chemical reactions between a solution and ozone sampled from the atmosphere. The GPS radiosonde unit has the same structure as those used for aerological observation.

ECC ozonesonde specifications

Metric	Measurement method
Pressure	Calculation using altitude and temperature data
Temperature	Thermistor
Humidity	Electrical capacity
Wind direction	Calculation using GPS data
Wind speed	Calculation using GPS data
Altitude	Calculation using GPS data
Ozone partial pressure	ECC ozone sensor

Example

The chart below shows observational results. The vertical axis represents pressure, and the horizontal axis represents observation variables such as ozone partial pressure and temperature.

Observational results