Ground Stations: The Foundation of Climate Data
How terrestrial weather stations and climate monitoring networks provide essential baseline measurements
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Section 3 of 5Ground-Based Climate Monitoring Networks
Ground stations form the backbone of climate data collection, providing high-quality, long-term measurements that validate and calibrate satellite and other remote sensing data. These stations range from basic weather monitoring sites to sophisticated climate reference stations with over a century of continuous records.
Historical Records
Many stations have data dating back to the 19th century, providing invaluable long-term climate context that satellites cannot offer.
Calibration Standards
Ground measurements serve as the "ground truth" for calibrating satellite instruments and validating remote sensing data.
Interactive Weather Station Explorer
Temperature (°C)
Network Analysis
Ensuring Data Quality & Continuity
Maintaining consistent, high-quality climate records over decades requires careful attention to instrumentation changes, station relocations, and environmental factors. Data homogenization techniques ensure that climate trends are not artifacts of measurement system changes.
Homogenization Challenges
- • Instrument Changes: Upgrades can introduce artificial jumps in data series
- • Station Relocations: Moving stations can change local microclimates
- • Urban Growth: Expanding cities can create heat islands around stations
- • Observer Changes: Different observers may have slightly different measurement techniques
- • Time of Observation: Changes in measurement timing can affect daily averages