Dropsondes, also known as dropwindsondes, are in situ instruments designed to be released from aircraft. They are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and sensors to collect profile measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Dropsondes are important during field investigations because they enable researchers to collect vertical profiles in remote locations and during severe weather conditions. Typically, dropsondes have a vertical resolution of 5 meters and provide wind speed and direction measurements every 0.25 seconds, while temperature, pressure, and humidity are recorded every 0.5 seconds.


Instrument Details
- Multi
- Earth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind ProfilesEarth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric PressureEarth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Velocity/speed ProfilesEarth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Water Vapor > Water Vapor Indicators > HumidityEarth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Winds > Wind Profiles > Wind Direction ProfilesEarth Science > Atmosphere > Atmospheric Temperature
- Full Column Profile
- 0.25 s, 0.5 s
- 5 m
- N/A
- Currently unavailble
Gerald Heymsfield, Terry Hock, Gary Wick, Jeffrey Halverson
Gerald Heymsfield, Jeffrey Halverson
NCAR, Yankee Environmental Systems, Vaisala Inc.
Currently unavailable
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