Date ( Publication )

2011-03-30T17:51:00

Purpose

The AWS continuously measuring: air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, global solar radiation, UVA radiation, wind speed and direction. These parameters are recorded every ten minutes and data is transmitted hourly to a server at the Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory (5,050 m - 16,568 ft.- a.s.l., near Lobuche in Nepal’s Khumbu Valley), and from there to Ev-K2-CNR headquarters in Italy. Measurements from this unique meteorological observation point can provide important information for the scientific community for everything from weather forecasting to understanding climate change.Data from the South Col AWS could contribute to several studies concerning meteorology and climate changes in the region, particularly when combined with information collected at the Pyramid monitoring station which measures atmospheric composition, including black carbon, ozone, and optical and physical properties. Ev-K2-CNR researchers have placed special emphasis on potential research activities to be developed in the framework of the WMO Coordinated Energy and water cycle Observation (CEOP) Project and its newly created High Elevations group. Information from this station can also help improve safety for Himalayan climbing expeditions, as it is to be integrated in the weather forecast of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Meteorological Forecasting Division.

Status

Completed

Maintenance and update frequency

As needed

GEMET ( Theme )

• thermal power plant

Keywords

• SHARE , Network , Station , High Altitude

Keywords ( Place )

• Nepal , Mt. Everest - South Col , Himalaya

Keywords ( Theme )

• air , research , pollution , ecosystems , landscape , natural areas , climate

Keywords ( Theme )

• monsoon , subtropical jet stream , stratospheric intrusions , real time

Use limitation

No conditions apply

Access constraints

Copyright

Other constraints

Character set

UTF8

Topic category

• Climatology, meteorology, atmosphere
• Environment
• Geoscientific information

N

S

E

W

Supplemental Information

Reference system identifier

EPSG / WGS 1984(EPSG:4326) / 7.4

Topology level

Geometry only

Geometric object type

Point

Geometric object count

13

OnLine resource

https://geoportal.mountaingenius.org/geonetwork/srv/api/records/d6b654ca-a301-4b6c-a70c-d1b09c5456f4/attachments/Data%20Usage%20Policy.pdf  

Hierarchy level

Series

Statement

Continuous measurements:

• air temperature (°C)

• relative humidity (%)

• atmospheric pressure (hPa)

• wind speed (m/s) and direction (°)

• global solar radiation (W/m2)

• UVA radiation

These parameters are recorded every ten minutes and data is transmitted hourly to a server at the Pyramid Laboratory- Observatory (5,050 m asl) and from there to Ev-K2-CNR headquarters in Italy.

The technological innovations:

- High quality weather monitoring instruments were customized and adapted for performance at 8,000 m (26,247 ft.) a.s.l. The sensors and data logger underwent simulation tests in which high altitude conditions were reproduced (environmental temperature of -40°C and atmospheric pressure of 300 hPa) to verify continuous functioning of the electronic components and the data acquisition, storage and transmission mechanisms. The accuracy and stability of the signal measurement by the sensors was further improved after these tests.

- Synchronized radio communications minimize energy consumption and allow for continuous data transmission.

- The weight of the sensor supports was reduced and mechanical components adapted to the presumed installation site conditions, which could only be truly understood once the climbers reached South Col.

- In order to facilitate the work of the climbers in extreme conditions of hypoxia and reduced visibility, the wiring system which connects the sensors to the data logger (“E-log”) was designed so that no tools were needed and connection would be as simple as possible, thus avoiding a complex electrical connection scheme. To avoid possible damage in the case of adverse weather conditions, the unit’s watertight door never needed to be opened during wiring and installation.

- An automatic and remote controlled activation and checking system was designed, so communication and instrumentation tests could be performed in as little time as possible, thus reducing the exposure time of the climbing team.

- The flexible radio repeater system is equipped to handle malfunctions, so data can be transmitted, albeit with a delay, should the radio links break down.

gmd:MD_Metadata

File identifier

d6b654ca-a301-4b6c-a70c-d1b09c5456f4   XML

Metadata language

eng

Character set

UTF8

Parent identifier

40f5a84c-83a4-4483-a083-b3431d3ffccd

Hierarchy level

Series

Date stamp

2025-02-21T16:07:13

Metadata standard name

ISO 19115:2003/19139

Metadata standard version

1.0