Background
Climate research requires data and the result of any research is only as good as the accuracy and consistency of the data. Since the first site was installed at the North Carolina Arboretum (Bierbaum Site), Asheville, NC in November 2000, the technicians and engineers of the Climate Reference Networks (CRNs) are responsible for a 99%+ data collection rate. Mark Hall is the Supervisory Engineer with the Oak Ridge Associated Universities assigned to the Air Resources Laboratory's Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division (ATDD).
The data comes from sites that are placed in locations deemed appropriate to represent a particular geographical environment. There are currently two distinct networks of climate sites delineated by the scope of their purposes. The national network (referred to as the US Climate Reference Network or USCRN) was established to provide data for a macro view of the continental US (CONUS). The first sites in Alaska and Hawaii were added in 2002 and 2005, respectively, to provide data for research in these diverse climates. These stations are providing critical support to the National Integrated Drought Information System. The USCRN currently consists of 126 sites.
The primary sensors measure air temperature, precipitation, and ground temperature. Some sites have instruments to measure soil moisture and relative humidity. The data is recorded on a computer (data logger) and transmitted via satellite and communications cables to the final destination at National Climatic Data Center every hour, 24/7.
USCRN soil probe installation completed as of September 2010. Each green triangle is a USCRN station, and the pentagon color indicates the type of installation: 15 probes, 3 sets at 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 cm depth (black); 6 probes, 3 sets at 5 and 10 cm depth (purple); and no probes in rock (red).
Work Plan
ORAU will assist NOAA/ATDD in the installation of new USCRN and USRCRN stations for each fiscal year based on each program's performance measures and will perform routine annual maintenance visits to the existing USCRN and USRCRN sites. ORAU will also assist with the regular calibration of various sensors deployed at the monitoring sites.
ORAU will provide design and measurement capabilities for the USCRN stations to include development of alternative power systems for use in harsh arctic environments.
ORAU will calibrate instruments, train site operators, and test each system to reduce instrument failures. ORAU will also maintain a comprehensive inventory of equipment ready for deployment as either new stations or as replacement parts.
ORAU will assist NOAA/ATDD in the operation, evaluation, and maintenance of the climate observing testbeds to evaluate new measurement technologies, including dataloggers, sensors, precipitation gauges, and communication systems.
ORAU will provide engineering capability to provide alternative installation strategies in non-ideal locations, which could include solid rock foundations, arctic permafrost locations, extreme climates (e.g., arctic, Siberian, or desert) locations, and remote wild locations.
ORAU will contribute to the metadata for the climate-observing systems to ensure continuity of data and data confidence.
ORAU will research the climate trends and variability utilizing NOAA’s monitoring networks. Peer-reviewed papers will be published as journal articles, symposium presentations, Technical memorandums, and trade articles.
