The DQA035 Lsi-Lastem rain gauge is mounted on a 1,5 m mast. This model of Rain gauge has a 1.000 cmq collector area. The measurement device is composed of a collector cone and a double chamber bascule connected to a magnete that operates one (optional two) reed switch, which generates impulses that can be counted by external meters: each impulse is equal to 0.2 mm of rain (optional from 0.1 to 0.5 mm). The mechanical and electrical specifications are: - Collector surface area: 1000 cmq - Collector area diameter: 420 mm - Measurements range: 180 mm/hr - Resolution: o,2 mm/imp. (opt. 0,1; 0,3; 0,4; 0,5; mm/imp.) - Accuracy: 0-1 mm/min: 1% 1-3 mm/min: 2% 3-5 mm/min: 4% 5-10 mm/min: 8% - Contact: 1 reed (opt. N.2 reed) 0,5 A/24V non inductive - Pulse duration: 100 msec.± 5 - Collector cone material: Brass - External housing material: Inox AISI30 - Tipping bucket material: Alluminium - Cable: 10 m - Weight: 6,3 kg - Power supply: /thermocover 100 W, 24 Vca/Va

In 2008 expedition, at South Col was installed the DMA572 termohygrometer, that was replaced during the 2011 expedition with two DMA672 termohygrometers and one DMA033 thermometer. All these sensors are manufactered by LSI-Lastem (Italy). DMA 672 thermohygrometer is an instrument for measuring temperature and relative humidity and suitable for a continuous measurement in severe environments; in presence of deep thermal and hygrometric ranges with high sun radiant heat. An importatnt feature of this set of sensor is that the thermohygrometric sensitive element is easily replaceable, in order to have a simple and rapid ordinary maintenance and avoiding calibration. The Thermohygrometer has supported a considerable improvement, owing to a deep technical and styling development process: a fan ensures a continuos air change around the sensor in order to eliminate temperature fault caused by radiant heat. Technical characteristics for temperature: Range: -30 to 70°C Sensitive element: Pt100 Class B 1/3 DIN Sensitive element replacement: sensor replacement Accuracy (Repeatability+ Hysteresis): ±0,1°C (0°C) Resolution: n.a. Response time (Sens. Element): 10 s Thermal drift: n.a. Long term stability: <1°C year Operating temperature: -50°÷100°C Technical characteristics for relative humidity: Range: 0 to100% Sensitive element: Capacitive Sensitive element replacement: sensor replacement Accuracy (Repeatability+ Hysteresis): 1,5% (5 to 95%, 23°C) Resolution: 0,12% Response time (Sens. element): 10 s Thermal drift: Max ± 1,5% Long term stability: <1 RH% year DMA033 Thermometer is well-suited for environmental outdoor measurements, with natural or forced ventilation antiradiant shield. Technical characteristics: Range : -40 to70°C Sensitive element: Pt100 1/3 DIN-B Accuracy: ±0,1C (0°C) Repeatability: 1/5 accuracy Electric output: Pt100 ? 1/3 DIN Operating temperature: -40°to 95°C Protection (vertical pos.): IP66

In 2008 at South Col the CombiSD DNA022 sensor (LSI-Lastem, Italy) was installed. During the 2011 expedition, this sensor was replaced with a prototype (LSI-Lastem) to support with another sensor manufactured by VAISALA: WA15D7B. The WA15 is based on accurate sensors installed on a large crossarm. It is designed for demanding wind measurement applications. Three lightweight, conical cups mounted on the cup wheel, provide excellent linearity over the entire operating range, up to 75 m/s. A wind-rotated chopper disc attached to the shaft of the cup wheel cuts an infrared light beam 14 times per revolution. This generates a pulse output from the phototransistor. The output pulse rate is directly proportional to wind speed (e.g. 246 Hz = 24.6 m/s). However, for the highest accuracy, the characteristic transfer function should be used to compensate for starting inertia.

In both 2008 and 2011 expeditions a CM6B Kipp&Zonen radiometer was installed at South Col. This sensor is a first class pyranometer as defined by the World Meteorological Organization. It is suitable for the measurement of solar irradiance on a plane surface (W/m2). It incorporates a 64-thermocouple sensor, which is rotationally symmetrical, housed under K5 domes. A white screen prevents the body of the pyranometer from heating up. The pyranometer is supplied with a spirit level and screws for accurate levelling. CM6B technical data - Spectral range 305 to 2800 nm (50%points) - Sensitivity 9 to 15 ?V/Wm-2 - Impedance 70 to 100 Ohm - Response time 1/e 5 s, 99 % 55 s - Non-linearity <1.5 % (<1000 W/m 2 ) - Tilt error <1.5 % at 1000 W/m 2 - Operating temperature -40 to +90 °C - Temperature dependence of sensitivity _2 % (-10 to +40 °C) - Maximum irradiance 2000 W/m2 - Directional error < _20 W/m2 at 1000 W/m2 - Weight 0.85 kg - Cable length 10 m

Young 8100 anemometer technical data: - Wind Speed: 0 to 40 m/s (0 to 90 mph) Resolution: 0.01 m/s Threshold: 0.01 m/s Accuracy: ±1% ±0.05m/s (30 m/s), ±3% (40 m/s) - Wind Direction: 0 to 360 degrees Elevation Range: ±60 degrees Resolution: 0.1 degree Accuracy:± 2 degrees (30 m/s), ± 5 degrees (40 m/s) - Speed of Sound: 300 to 360 m/s Resolution: 0.01 m/s Accuracy: ± 0.1% ± 0.05 m/s (30 m/s) - Sonic Temperature: -50 to +50 ˚C Resolution: 0.01 m/s Accuracy: ±2˚C (30 m/s) - Serial Output: User Programmable ASCII, RS-232 or RS-485 1200 to 38400 baud 4 to 32 Hz (user-selected) Units: m/s, cm/s, mph, knots, km/h -Analog Voltage Outputs: 4 voltage outputs, 0 to 5000 mV - Power Requirement: 12 to 24 VDC, 110 mA - Operating Temperature: -50 to +50 °C - Dimensions: 56cm high x 17cm radius (3 support arms) Weight: 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) Shipping Weight: 4.5 kg (10 lb)

The USH-8 Ultrasonic Snow Depth Sensor by SOMMER is ideal for the reliable measurement of snow-depth in extreme conditions. The sensor’s principle of measurement deals with the transit-time measurement of an ultrasonic pulse. The sensor transmits several energy-charged pulses to the snow cover and subsequently receives its reflected signals. Based upon the required transit time of the ultrasonic signals, the USH-8 sensor calculates the current snow depth. The processing time of the ultrasonic pulses here is enormously influenced by the air temperature. For this reason, the snow depth sensor also possesses integrated temperature compensation. This takes into account the influence of the air temperature on the processing time of the ultrasonic signals, in the calculation of the snow depth. The calculation takes place in the sensor, so that the output signal provides the already converted snow depth. USH-8 Specifications: Snow Depth Measurement Range of measurement: 0 to 8 m Minimum distance to the maximum expected snow depth: 1 m Accuracy: 0,1 % (FS) Resolution 1 mm Principle of measurement: Ultrasonic (Frequency 50 kHz; Angle of reflected beam 12°) Integrated Compensation of the Air Temperature Temperature sensor: Integrated air-temperature sensor in self-venting radiation shield Range of measurement: -35 to 60 °C Resolution: 0,1 °C Non-linearity: ? 0,15 % Interfaces Analogue: Snow depth measurement 0/4 - 20 mA signal (configurable) Resolution: 12 Bit Max. load: 300 ? Digital: Snow depth measurement; air temperature; quality flag RS 232; serial interface Protocol: Various ASCII formats

At the end of March 2006 a Cimel CE-318 sunphotometer was installed at the Nepal Climate Observatory - Pyramid (NCO-P) within the framework of the Aerosol Robotic Network, AERONET (http://aeronet.gsfc.nasa.gov, EvK2-CNR site). It provides a characterization of aerosol optical and microphysical properties of the air column above the station.

At the Nepal Climate Observatory - Pyramid, aerosol total and back scattering coefficients at three wavelengths (450, 550 and 700 nm) are derived by an integrating nephelometer (model TSI 3563).

Both in 2008 and in 2011 expedition a DPA 007, manufactured by LSI-Lastem was installed at South Col. This broad band radiometers measure electromagnetic radiation intensity in a determined interval of wavelength. Applications often need information about emission in ultraviolet, infrared, and visible spectral band, demanding a more specialized instrumentation.In particular, this model permit to record UVA radiation and work according to the the WMO (World Meteorological Organization) guideline. The sensitive element is aphotodiode with optical filter with interferential deposition in order to improve the spectral transmission. Technical characteristics: Sensitive element: photodiode Spectral range: 315 to 400 nm Range: 0 to 70 W/m2 Response time (s): 0.1 Accuracy: ±12% VL/reading ± 1W/m2 Linearity: <=1%

The sensor’s principle of measurement deals with the transit-time measurement of an ultrasonic pulse. The sensor transmits several energy-charged pulses to the snow cover and subsequently receives its reflected signals. Based upon the required transit time of the ultrasonic signals, the USH-8 sensor calculates the current snow depth. The processing time of the ultrasonic pulses here is enormously influenced by the air temperature. For this reason, the snow depth sensor also possesses integrated temperature compensation. This takes into account the influence of the air temperature on the processing time of the ultrasonic signals, in the calculation of the snow depth. The calculation takes place in the sensor, so that the output signal provides the already converted snow depth. USH-8 Specifications: Snow Depth Measurement Range of measurement: 0 to 8 m Minimum distance to the maximum expected snow depth: 1 m Accuracy: 0,1 % (FS) Resolution 1 mm Principle of measurement: Ultrasonic (Frequency 50 kHz; Angle of reflected beam 12°) Integrated Compensation of the Air Temperature Temperature sensor: Integrated air-temperature sensor in self-venting radiation shield Range of measurement: -35 to 60 °C Resolution: 0,1 °C Non-linearity: ? 0,15 % Interfaces Analogue: Snow depth measurement 0/4 - 20 mA signal (configurable) Resolution: 12 Bit Max. load: 300 ? Digital: Snow depth measurement; air temperature; quality flag RS 232; serial interface Protocol: Various ASCII formats