Using Aeropod Technology to Interpret Select Microscale WeatherParameters Using Vertical Profiling

Abstract:

Microclimates are often a largely unassessed factor when looking at the threat of
climate change and environmental threats. Some important weather parameters regarding
microclimates include relative humidity, air temperature, and dew point. This research
compared dew point, relative humidity, and air temperature at ground level compared to 122
meters above the ground and analyzed how it possibly affected cloud formation. A Kestrel 5500
Weather Meter was used to collect data on various weather parameters for 7 days. The Kestrel
was mounted on a tripod 1.2 meters above the ground, taking various weather parameters for
about 15 minutes and then averaging the results. The Kestrel was then attached to a Profiler
Kestrel Aeropod, where it flew with an “Into The Wind” Levitation 7 ft Delta Kite at an altitude
of 122 meters to collect data as well. Data was then imported to a spreadsheet, organized, and
analyzed to find various correlations between the weather parameters and their possible effect on
cloud formation. A careful study of the data found several relationships between the various
parameters as altitude increased. As altitude increased, dew point temperature and relative
humidity percent increased, and air temperature decreased. The effect these parameters had on
cloud formation showed that the higher the relative humidity and the dew point were, the lower
level clouds formed at that completely covered the sky, like stratocumulus and stratus
clouds. Some recommendations the researchers and Mr. David Bydlowski of NASA had for a
way forward and advancing this project were include measuring particulate matter using a
Pocketlab Air, and comparing the results with Princess Chulabhorn, a school in Thailand.
Princess Chulabhorn and the researchers have been communicating on a weekly basis, and are
planning to complete this investigation in the near future.