Toward sustainable meteorological profiling in polar regions: Case studies using an inexpensive UAS on measuring lower boundary layers with quality of radiosondes

Abstract

This study assessed the possibility of producing profiles of atmospheric parameters, including aerosol number concentration, using observations obtained by a conventional low-cost small rotary-wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). A radiation shield for the meteorological sensor was developed to reduce the effects from heat exhaust from both the rotors and the body of the UAS and from solar radiation. Field experiments in northern Japan during winter confirmed that the continuous UAS-derived meteorological data obtained in the lower boundary layer were of quality equivalent to that of radiosonde observations in a cold environment (<- 20 °C), that is, better than other meteorological rotary-wing UASs. The continuous profiling of aerosols also demonstrated the capability for monitoring air quality below a very strong inversion layer during winter. Quality-controlled UAS meteorological profiles would be a potential observation data source for skillful numerical weather prediction, particularly in data-sparse regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic, contributing to the sustainable polar observing network.

Keywords: Boundary layer; Observations for forecasting; Polar meteorology; Sustainable observing network; UAS.