d6b654ca-a301-4b6c-a70c-d1b09c5456f4 eng 40f5a84c-83a4-4483-a083-b3431d3ffccd Ev-K2-CNR +39 035 3230511 +39 035 3230551 Via San Bernardino 145 Bergamo BG 24126 Italy metadata@evk2cnr.org http://www.evk2cnr.org 2025-02-21T16:07:13 ISO 19115:2003/19139 1.0 13 WGS 1984(EPSG:4326) EPSG 7.4 South Col Automatic Weather Station 2011-03-30T17:51:00 On May 15, 2008 the Ev-K2-CNR installed the world’s highest ground automatic weather station (AWS) on Mt. Everest’s South Col at 8,000 m (26,247 ft.) a.s.l. The complex, technologically advanced AWS instrumentation was designed by the Italian manufacturer LSI-Lastem. The sensors were customized to measure temperature, humidity atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, global and UVA solar radiation at 8,000 m (26,247 ft.) in extreme environmental conditions lik e very low temperatures and reduced atmospheric pressure. 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. Ev-K2-CNR +39 035 3230511 +39 035 3230551 Via San Bernardino 145 Bergamo BG 24126 Italy evk2cnr@evk2cnr.org http://www.evk2cnr.org/ Paolo Bonasoni Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (ISAC) - CNR +39 051 639 9590 +39 051 639 9652 Via Gobetti 101 Bologna BO 40129 Italy p.bonasoni@isac.cnr.it https://geoportal.mountaingenius.org/geonetwork/srv/api/records/d6b654ca-a301-4b6c-a70c-d1b09c5456f4/attachments/evk2cnr__.png EVK2CNR https://geoportal.mountaingenius.org/geonetwork/srv/api/records/d6b654ca-a301-4b6c-a70c-d1b09c5456f4/attachments/evk2cnr__.png evk2cnr__.png thermal power plant GEMET SHARE Network Station High Altitude Nepal Mt. Everest - South Col Himalaya air research pollution ecosystems landscape natural areas climate monsoon subtropical jet stream stratospheric intrusions real time No conditions apply climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere environment geoscientificInformation 80.0522 88.1946 26.3684 30.4247 https://geoportal.mountaingenius.org/geonetwork/srv/api/records/d6b654ca-a301-4b6c-a70c-d1b09c5456f4/attachments/Data%20Usage%20Policy.pdf WWW:DOWNLOAD-1.0-http--download 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. No conditions apply