Meteorological data, comprising standard parameters like temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, accompanied by detailed analysis of rain characteristics, wind and pressure variations, snow composition, etc. are collected at the Conrad Observatory. Sophisticated state-of-the-art instrumentation is used for this purpose. A series of sensors is mounted on the chimney above the observatory (Fig. 1). Meteorological sensors are accompanied by GPS and data transfer antenna. Various additional sensors are placed in the vicinity of the COBS. The primary aim of meteorological measurements is supporting geophysical recording and particularly its interpretation. Therefore the spatial and temporal resolution of data collection is well beyond the typically used meteorological standards.

Fig. 1: Meteorological sensors above the COBS


Beside meteorological observations the observatory provides due to its excellent infrastructure a platform for testing new developments and ideas regarding improvements of weather and climate recording. Among those new developments which are subjected to long term testing at the COBS site is METLIFT, developed under supervision of Prof. Dorninger, University of Vienna (Fig. 2). This new device will provide accurate measurements of meteorological parameters even in extremely snow rich environments. These usually falsify the accurate position of the sensor relative to the snow surface or even bury the sensor under the snow. METLIFT was recently deployed close to the Conrad Observatory and overcomes this problems. A snow height sensor measures the distance to the snow surface. If certain limits are exceeded the whole station is lifted accordingly.

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