ATMS 360 Homework and Course Deliverables (return to main page)
[How to write lab report for those that include a formal write up]

Assignment 10 Analog and Digital Pressure Sensors

Pressure measurements are extremely important in atmospheric science.

Start as follows:
1. Set up a circuit and sketch to acquire data from the analog pressure sensor.
2. Add a circuit for the BME280 digital pressure, temperature, and relative humidity sensor.
3. Here's the Arduino set up for the BME280 sensor.


Topics to include in your report

Part of this lab is to measure pressure with two different sensors.
Briefly discuss what is meant by 'accuracy' and 'precision' in respect to measurements to start the conversation about sensor measurement comparisons. Helpful presentation for this discussion.

How do the pressure sensors work? It is a good starting point to look at the data sheets for the analog sensor and for the digital sensor and other information on the pressure page. The Freescale MPX4115AP and BME280 use a piezoresistive strain gauge for sensing pressure. Freescale is an analog sensor so the Arduino is doing the analog to digital conversion, requiring a number of hookup wires and components on the breadboard and to Arduino. The BME280 is a digital sensor, so the analog to digital conversion is accomplished within the component itself. Arduino just asks the BME280 for measurement values, and I2C communcations is used for the communication between them. The BME280 also reports temperature and relative humidity and a calculated pressure altitude (altitude determined from a pressure measurement.)

Use the figures created from measurements described in the Procedure below to answer the following questions.
Looking at the data from Part A, what is an estimated uncertainty in the measurements with each sensor?

Are the pressure sensors precise enough to show the pressure difference between when the sensors are held high and held low (about a 2 meter difference in height? Are the pressure differences accurate, that is, close to the estimated value of about 0.10 mb/meter?

Compare the fluctuations of the pressure data measured at 1 second intervals versus 10 second and 60 second intervals. How does averaging time affect the sensor's uncertainty?

In measurements with 60 seconds averages over several days, do the two pressure sensors measure the same pressure value within the specifications given in their data sheets and the uncertainty you may have noticed?


How to setup the pressure sensors and get data from them.

Here's a wiring schematic for the analog pressure sensor.
The 4 BME280 pins to use are highlighted in yellow. Here's a wiring schematic for both the analog pressure sensor and a digital pressure sensor (BME280 replaces the BME180).

Here's a sketch for the analog pressure sensor. Use it to test that the analog pressure sensor is working.
Here's a sketch for the BME280 digital pressure sensor. If needed, install the Adafruit BME280 library.
Here's the sketch to use for combining the output from both sensors once you have them both working separately. We will use them both at the same time.
Save the data with CoolTerm as comma separated values.
Write the time and date to the file with CoolTerm also for measurements over several days (here's how).
We will acquire data for a few days to compare the pressure sensors over a longer time as part of this lab.


Procedure for pressure sensor measurements.

Use CoolTerm to save data for the following measurements in parts A-D.
Note with Cool term you can start capture to text file before connecting to the Arduino, so you can capture the data information.
As time permits, use Labview to graph and save data in real time to become familiar with it in part E.

Calibrate the analog sensor so its pressure reading matches the BME280 sensor value.
A . Do measurements with 1 second time averaging with the sensors held constant on the table, for around 100 measurements.
Calculate pressure averages in Excel. Get a calibration factor for the analog pressure sensor=(Average BME280 Value)/(Average Analog Sensor Value).
Change the pressure calibration factor variable, in the sketch near the top, from 1.0 to the value you got, . Upload your program to the Arduino.
Both pressure sensors should measure close to the same value after this. (Note: this procedure does not correct an offset).

Do another 100 measurements with 1 second time averaging for the sensors held constant on the table.
Graph the time series with milliseconds on the x axis and pressure for each sensor on the y axis, 1 sensor on each y axis. (1st graph)
Note: As time permits, the standard deviation of the pressure measurements could be made using Excel for this short time interval to get a measure of uncertainty for each sensor.

Evaluate the precision and accuracy of the pressure sensors by their ability to measure small pressure changes.
B . Do measurements with 1 second time average, holding the sensor 1 meter below the table top for 10 seconds, then up 1 meter above the table top for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle at least 4 times, with a single data file (each cycle does not need its own data file). Meter sticks are available. If you can't lift move it a full meter up or below the table, record approximately how high or low it can be moved. (2nd graph).
Time in miliseconds is x axis, y axis is pressure for both sensors.

See the effect of averaging time on accuracy and precision. (If you have the data, include it. If not, that's ok, no grade reduction).
C. Then modify the code to obtain 10 second time averages. Test by holding the sensor low for 100 seconds, and high for 100 seconds. Repeat this cycle at least once. (3rd graph).
Time in miliseconds is the x axis, y axis is pressure.

Evaluate sensor stability by doing measurements over several days.
(Data from May 3, 4, and 5, 2025 that can be used instead of the short segment recovered from the Serial Monitor output).
D. With the analog pressure sensor calibration factor installed in your sketch we're ready to test the sensors for use in a weather station.
Set the averaging time to 60 seconds (top of the sketch) so that minute data will be produced.
Set up the computer so it doesn't go to sleep.
Write the time and date to the file with CoolTerm also for measurements over several days (here's how).
Set CoolTerm to start recording data to a text file.
Connect CoolTerm to the Arduino so that it will stream measurements to the computer until recording data to text file is ended.
Make a time series graph with time in minutes on the x axis, with pressure from both sensors on the first y axis, and temperature on the 2nd y axis.
Observe anything of interest, especially if temperature changes correlate with pressure changes. (4th graph).
HINTS ON GETTING DATA INTO EXCEL AND REMOVING BLANK ROWS:
1. Importing into Excel: Read in delimited text: Include delimiters "space" "Tab" and "Comma".
2. Get rid of the empty rows:
a) Click on the first column to select the entire column (click on the A. The whole column should be highlighted)
b) Home:Find & Select (it's on the far right):Go to special:Blanks:OK (This should select only the rows with nothing in them)
c) Home:Delete:Delete sheet rows (This should delete only the rows that had nothing in them)

E. This part of the assignment is not needed.

As time permits, use Labview to acquire, graph, and save data from the Arduino. (Must use lab computers for this part of the assignment.)
As in part B, evaluate the precision of the pressure sensors by their ability to measure small pressure changes using Labview.
Labview is easy to use and provides a great graphical interface for acquiring and visualizing data in real time.
The main purpose of this section is to introduce Labview, and to become familiar with the power of combining Labview and Arduino.
Labview will be used to read, graph, and save data from the Arduino after it has been programmed using the Arduino IDE.
This part of the lab expects that the combined sensor sketch was used and that the Arduino to have already been programmed for 1 second time averages.
The wiring schematic shows both the analog pressure sensor and a digital pressure sensor (BME280 replaces the BME180) that reports T and RH as well, as in part B.

Labview instructions: Labview programs are called Virtual Instruments (VIs).
Get the Labview VIs here as a zip file that must be unzipped to run properly. Move the zip file to your directory.
Unzip the file by right clicking on it and doing "Extract All...". A folder will appear.
Double click on the folder, and again on the inner folder to reveal the two VIs,
AnalogPressure_and_BME_280P_T_RH_SensorsLV17_2024, and save DataBME280_And_AnalogPressureSensor2024.

The first VI is the main program. The other is a subVI that is called from the main VI to save data to a file.
Double click on AnalogPressure_and_BME_280P_T_RH_SensorsLV17_2024 to bring up the VI with the Labview program.
If Labview does not start and is not found on your computer, then use the alternative Labview instructions at the bottom of this section.
Type 'control m' to put Labview in 'run mode'. The alignment squares in the blue area should disappear.
Click on the three tabs at the top of the green box to get familiar with what is in them.

Make sure that the Arduino program does not own the Serial Port for the Arduino breakout board.
Under "Controls", choose the "Serial Port Used for Arduino".
IMPORTANT: Make a folder for the data. I suggest using the folder named in "Directory for Data (must exist)". This folder must be created before starting Labview if the "Save Data?" toggle is up to the yes position.

Starting and stopping this Labview VI:
All Labview VIs are started by clicking on the right pointing horizontal arrow immediately below and to the right of the "Edit" menu item in the upper left corner of the window.

All Labview VIs are stopped in different ways. For this VI, clicking the green toggle, located near the top of the red box, down will allow the VI to gracefully stop and close the serial port when it is done with its last measurement.

All Labview VIs can be immediately and ungracefully stopped by click on the red stop sign located near the start arrow. This option is not preferred, but sometimes a VI is stuck and needs to be stopped.

Measurements: After starting the VI, make sure data is coming in to Labview by looking at the "Pressure SensorsTab", and the graph that combines both pressure sensors.
Right click on the combinded pressure graph and clear the graph when you are ready for the next step.
While watching the pressure graph for insight, do measurements with 1 second time average, holding the sensor 1 meter below the table top for 10 seconds, then up 1 meter above the table top for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle at least 4 times. When you have finished this, go to the "Setup and Control Tab" and click the "Click Switch Down To Stop:" switch to turn off data acquisition. Go back to the "Pressure Sensors Tab". Right click on the combined pressure graph and save it to your folder as a simplified image (5th graph). Measurement number is x axis, y axis is pressure for both sensors, so in this case, it will be seconds as well since measurements are acquired every second. Meter sticks are available. If you can't lift move it a full meter up or below the table, record approximately how high or low it can be moved.

For your interest:
View the Labview program by typing "control e" at the same time. This will bring up the Block Diagram. You can watch the program run by clicking the light bulb on. Labview programs run from left to right, and loops allow them to run until stopped, in this case with the front panel control switch at the top of the box.

Alternative Labview instructions in case your computer does not have the Labview program on it:
Get a compiled, executable program as a zip file that must be unzipped to run properly. Move the zip file to your directory.
Unzip the file by right clicking on it and doing "Extract All...". A folder will appear.
Double click on the folder, and again on the inner folder to reveal the two files.
With your Arduino attached to the computer, and with the combined sensor sketch on the Arduino with 1 second averaging time, double click on the file
Application.exe.




Click on image for larger version.

Note on the analog sensor: It seems the 10 bit analog to digital (a/d) converter of the Arduino would not be able to resolve a pressure difference of about 0.1 mb associated with 1 meter height difference. 1 bit change in the a/d counts corresponds to a voltage change of about 0.005 volts, and a pressure change of and about 1 mb pressure.
Dither helps: the voltage source for the Arduino is noisy enough to cause around 50 mv or so of noise so that the a/d counts fluctuate to a useful average.
The example sketch for pressure averages the measurements of the pressure sensor voltage and the voltage divider voltage about 1800 times for each measurement.
Use of the voltage divider for the power supply voltage measurement is necessary since the a/d range is 5 volts, and direct measurement might be at or over the measurement range.


Assignment 9:
Meteorological Measurements i:
Wind, temperature, relative humidity, solar and infrared radiation both up and down welling,
surface skin temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture content, etc.

Assignment 9 2D and 3D Wind measurements at 2 meters above ground level using ultrasonic anemometers.

Example from 2025. Data.

Purpose:
9a. To become familiar with different types of anemometers (wind vane and propeller or cup type for 2 D winds; sonic anemometers for 2D and 3D wind).
9b. To understand guidelines and challenges for deciding on where to place weather stations.
9c. To assemble and operate a weather station.
9d. To compare the new 2D ultrasonic anemometer weather station (inexpensive device) with the 3D sonic anemometer. Is the 2D anemometer suitable for evaluating local wind power generation potential at multiple places in the area?

As time permits we will also continue working on the following sensor.
Atmospheric radiation sensor: Net radiometer sensor by Apogee. We will work with this sensor, and add it to the weather station. Manual and an example program for using Arduino/Teensy and a GPS to get data from it using SDI-12 protocol.

Weather station WS-5000-ip3 and manual (local backup).

The 3D ultrasonic anemometer description.

Data:
April 2025
Weather station 2D sonic anemometer data. (right click and save to file).
3D sonic anemometer data as a text file for April 1-7. (right click and save to file). Calculations needed for the sonic data.
PurpleAir pressure data for the roof sensor. (Compare with the weather station and 3D sonic for structure in the 5-7 data).
Pictures of the 2D and 3D sonic anemometers.

Lab Report Presentation:
Make a presentation using Powerpoint with the deliverables given below.
Use photographs of the steps along the way to document the procedure.
Give several bullet points to describe each slide.
Acquire a time series and scatter plot of horizontal wind from both the 2D and 3D sonic anemometers and compare them to get an answer to the question in 9d above.

Also create a time series and scatter plot for the temperature reported by the (2D station) and sonic temperature reported by the (3D station). Discuss.

Finally, create a time series and scatter plot for the pressure reported by the (2D station) and the (3D station). Discuss.

Both 2D and 3D sensors report data every minute, and need to have the clocks synched carefully.

Use the Notes Page in Powerpoint to add notes for slides when useful.

Discussion:
We will go through much of the analysis in class.

Resources and Related Information:

Reno UNR/DRI meteorological measurements.
Hot wire anemometry discussion. Local backup.

Urban-scale wind power generation.

Install the Endnote plugin into Microsoft Word to use in managing your references, and use of Web Of Science to obtain them.
Automated weather station discussion and one company that sells them.
Presentation discussing a common type of temperature sensor element, thermistors.


Laboratory Atmospheric Sciences Leads to Atmospheric Instruments and Measurement Methods and insights into how the atmosphere works

Assignment 8 Doppler effect and tornado detection using sound as an analog for Doppler radar

Read this about the Dopper effect first:

Theory is given here:

Purpose:
To become familiar with the Doppler effect and its usefulness in measuring velocity.
Work as a group to help design and implement measurement strategies for this lab.

Use two small battery operated speakers driven by a sine wave from a program (app) on the iPad or other platform.
The speakers have blueTooth connectivity.

Put one speaker on the record player table on an arm extending out some distance to rotate like a tornado or a exoplanet.

Put the other speaker behind the first one.

Qualitative Analysis:
Qualitatively listen for the beat frequency and use audacity to get the frequency as a function of time to obtain the speaker speed.

Quantitative Analysis:
Basic idea:
Record sound using Audacity as described below.
Obtain the rotation rate of the record player on the 45 RPM setting, from the frequency spectra of the Doppler measurements,
specifically from the frequency spacing of the side-bands in the frequency spectrum.
Do measurements for both 440 Hz and 2000 Hz sound source frequencies.

Setup:
Audacity settings for data acquisition assuming 0 kHz to 4 kHz frequency ranges.
Audacity:Audio Setup:Audio Settings ...:Project Sample Rate 8000 Hz.
Audacity:Microphone slider on the upper right: Slide ball to the right if needed to get a larger microphone signal.

Fourier Analysis:
Audacity:Analyze:Plot Spectrum:Size 131072.
Plot the spectrum to look at it.
Export the spectrum.
Be sure to obtain measurements for at least 131072/8000 seconds (about 16.4 seconds).
The frequency bin size should be 8000/131072 Hz.
Read the spectra into Excel. Convert the spectral values (SV) from dB to linear by using the equation SV(linear)=10^(SV(dB)/20).
Overlay both the stationary source spectrum and the rotating source spectrum.
Hover over the frequency spectrum for the rotating source to obtain the frequencies of adjacent peaks and their frequency spacing.
The frequency spacing should be equal to the rotational frequency of the turn-table in Hz.

Summary:
Measure the actual rotation rate of the turn table to confirm it is 45 rpm, especially when loaded with the copper pipe and speakers.
Measure the spectrum of the speakers while stationary and export the frequency spectrum.
Measure the spectrum of the speakers while rotating, export and overlay with the stationary spectrum.

Extra Credit:
Modify the Python script model for the measurements to output the model frequency spectra for speaker frequencies of 440 Hz and 2000 Hz.
Overlay it with the observed spectra. How well do they match?

Lab Report:
Write a lab report using Microsoft Word (or any other Wordprocessor that can output PDF documents).
Include a theory section that describes the Doppler effect and its uses. Also include a description of FM modulated signals and their uses, especially in measurements.
Include photograph(s) of the set up.
[Writing lab reports]

Resources and Related Information:
Gas giant exoplanet observed to have a high rotation velocity using the Doppler effect. https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2502/ and https://www.eso.org/public/archives/releases/sciencepapers/eso2502/eso2502a.pdf .

Step by step guide to get data into Excel and to make publication quality graphs.

Simulation of the measurement in Python.

Whiteboard discussion.

Theory and summary of measurements for 440 Hz.

Sound generator for the modulated sine wave. The output from the computer's speaker can be measured with the computer microphone using Audacity to acquire and calculate the spectrum.

Photo of the set up.

Journal articles on Doppler radar: Continuous wave approach, pulsed approach, history.

 

Assignment 7 Single, multiple scattering, and polarization by skim and whole milk as a cloud analog

Read this first:

Purpose:
Demonstrate aspects of solar radiation transfer through clouds with a laboratory measurements of light transmission and reflection by milk in an aquarium.
Demonstrate that in the single scattering regime milk diluted by water can look blue.
Investigate the polarization of light by in the single scattering regime.
Demonstrate the change in the light transmission spectra of light through the 'milk-cloud' as the milk concentration increases.
Model the transmission spectra for the single scattering regime to obtain a measure of the size of the scatterers in dilute milk, and evaluate it for skim and whole milk.
Become familiar with optical spectroscopy.

Quantitative calculation of optical depth after droplets added, USB spectrometer.

Calculate particle size based on Mie theory simulations using MiePlot by Richard Laven.

Measure polarization using polarizers at 90 degrees to the light beam.

Investigate bubble formation on the walls of the scattering volume as milk is added to the water in association with nucleation events.

Lab Report Presentation:
Make a presentation using Powerpoint with the deliverables given below.
Include a photograph or calculation for each slide, and several bullet points to describe each slide.
Use the Notes Page in Powerpoint to add notes for slides when useful.

Discussion:
We will go through the theory in class.

Procedure:
A) Use the optical bench, an aquarium filled with water to a level above the light beam, and a turn table to rotate the aquarium so that either the long path or short path goes through the light beam.
Set up the spectrometer for a transmission measurement. Do a reference spectrum with the light passing through the short side. Then do a transmission spectrum with the light passing through the long side. Obtain the optical depth of the water by taking the negative of the natural logarithm of the transmission spectrum.

B) Take photographs to document the following. Use the polarization sheet to view the aquarium in the horizontal with the sheet vertical. Rotate the polarizer to see if the light scattered from the center is polarized, and if so note the polarization direction with the maximum and minimum amount of light. It may be helpful to put a black sheet behind the aquarium to reduce stray light, or to turn off the overhead light. Look at the light scattered at exiting and 90 degrees to it to see if it looks colored due to light scattering.

C) Then add one drop of milk, using the syringe, to the tank and stir it until uniform.
Note/photograph the character of the mixing and possible milk vortex formation when drops hit the water surface from different heights.
Document/photograph formation of bubbles on the aquarium wall, and squeegee them off for measurements with the spectometer.

D) Repeat A) - C) until the transition has clearly been made into the multiple scattering regime. Note how many drops are needed for that.

E) Do A) - D) for both whole milk and skim milk.

F) Using the data from the transmission coefficient measurements calculate the optical depth implied by them.
Make graphs of each optical depth measurement, an overlay of them all, and an mp4 movie containing every individual optical depth graph.
Example Python script generated with AI (may need fine tuning).

G) Model the optical depth using MiePlot (see Resources and Related Information below). The refractive index of milk will be needed and an estimate of particle diameter.

Deliverables (as many slides as needed)
1. Use photograph(s) and bullet points to describe the set up.

2. Use photographs to illustrate the change in polarization as the milk concentration increased (both whole and skim).

3. Make graphs as a function of wavelength for the optical depths, and overlay measurements done at different milk concentrations, one set of graphs for each milk type.
Discuss the spectral shape observed for low fat versus whole milk and the reason for that.

4. Model the measured optical depth to get an idea of the particle size in milk (as time permits) using the Laven code mentioned in the resources below.

5. How are clouds similar and different optically than the diluted milk?

6. Show your photos of bubbles on the walls of the aquarium and briefly explain how/why they nucleate.
Show photographs of the initial mixing of milk and water when milk droplets impact the water surface, including vortex rings.

Resources and Related Information:
Ask AI:
What do the particles in milk look like up close?
Refractive indices of particles by composition in milk.
Fraction of protein and fat in milk.
Diameters of protein and fat particles in milk.

MiePlot by Richard Laven, to simulate the transmission measurements.
Example calculation for fat particles.

Ocean Optics spectrometers simulation.

Papers on milk optical properties:
Broadband Optical Properties
Review
Composition influence

 

Assignment 6 Atmospheric Pressure, and water vapor pressure at saturation at the boiling temperature and room temperature

Read this first:

Purpose:
Demonstrate atmospheric pressure and water vapor pressure as a function of temperature by crushing aluminum cans filled with a little water and brought to boil before turning them upside down in a dish with a shallow layer of water in it.

Precautions:
A hot plate will be used to heat up parts used for this lab. Be careful not to touch it.
Use the infrared temperature detector to measure its temperature if needed.
Stand back when the aluminum can filled with a little boiling water is flipped into the shallow pan of water.

Lab Report Presentation:
Make a presentation using Powerpoint with the deliverables given below.
Include a photograph or calculation for each slide, and several bullet points to describe each slide.
Use the Notes Page in Powerpoint to add notes for slides when useful.

Discussion:
Phase diagram for water, from here.
Saturation vapor pressure over a water surface, from here.

Procedure:
Find a setting for the hot plate that boils water.
Once boiling, use an infrared temperature detector to measure the water temperature and the hot plate temperature. Also use the thermocouple temperature for both.

Put about 2 table spoons of water into an aluminum can and place it on the hot plate until the water boils. Then use the tongs to quickly turn it upside down and into the shallow pan filled with water.
Use the slow motion mode of your cell phone to record the collapse. Be sure to hold the can carefully becauses it sometimes has a small jet of water vapor shoot out when it hits the cold water.

Do this for cans having various aspect ratios (can diameter / can length).

Deliverables:
1. One slide each for the following:

2. Short answer questions from the water boiling discussion. Can water be raised to a temperature above it's boiling temperature (super heated)? What is the role of nucleation in boiling water?

3. Use this calculator (use the Buck equation results) to obtain the water vapor pressure at 25 C (roughly room temperature).
Also from the Reno pressure on the measurement day, determine the boiling temperature using the calculator.
Assuming that the water is boiling when the can is just about to hit the water in the pan, what is the pressure change inside of the can when it hits the water in the pan and cools to the water temperature?

4. Photograph showing the boiling water and the temperature measurements made with the sensors and a few bullet point to summarize what was found.

5. Make a slow motion movie of the taking the can off of the hot plate, turning it over, and putting it into the cool water, and include the movie as an mp4 movie in the presentation, or capture a few frames of it and use those images.
A converter from .mov format to .mp4 is available, as .mp4 files are easier to use with powerpoint.

6. What procedure and/or factors result in more crushed cans?

Resources and Related Information:
Whiteboard notes.

 

Assignment 5 Formation of water droplet and ice crystal containing clouds.

Read this first:

Purpose:
A). Nucleation of cloud droplets with and air and smoke, towards measurement of cloud condensation nuclei number concentration, using cooling from adiabatic expansion.
B). Mixing of a warm and cold subsatured air masses to create a super saturated air mass that forms supercooled water droplets like a fog. Theory, and spreadsheet for calculation.
C). Formation of ice crystal containing clouds and their response to electric fields.

Lab Report Presentation:
Make a presentation using Powerpoint with the deliverables given below.
Include a photograph or calculation for each slide, and several bullet points to describe each slide.
Use the Notes Page in Powerpoint to add notes for slides when useful.

Procedure for A):
Adiabatic expansion for cooling to make water clouds. We will have class discussion of the principle and method. Use laser beam to display the cloud.
Repeat after first adding smoke from an extinguished match to the glass jug first.
Deliverables:
1. Photographs of the setup and the glass jug with laser light illumination to show cloud formation from room air and when smoke is added to the glass jug first.
2. Estimate the temperature after the rubber stopper is released using Tfinal=Tinitial * (Pfinal/Pinitial)2/7where the intial temperature (T) and final pressure (P) are of the room, and the initial pressure is that in the glass jug just before the cork pops off as measured with the pressure gauge.

Procedure for B):
Measure the temperature of the air in the freezer. Breath warm relatively moist air into the cold air of the freezer. Illuminate the freezer interior with laser light and a flashlight to note cloud formed. It is likely below 0 C, making it a super cooled water droplet containing cloud as is found often in the atmosphere.
Deliverable: Photograph the illuminated cloud.

Procedure for C): Nucleate an ice crystal containing cloud with a 'pop-gun' that creates an adiabatic expansion just like in the water droplet cloud in A). This is sufficient to create homogeneous nucleatiion of ice crystals because of the cold temperature after expansion. Note how the ice cloud glitters by illuminating it.
Deliverable: Photograph this glittering cloud.
Then get a balloon or comb and rub it on clean hair to charge it to make an electric field. Wave the balloon or comb near the cloud to see the ice crystals align with the electric field.
Deliverable: Photograph perhaps make a video of the glittering cloud as it is affected by the electric field.

As time permits additions:
Record the sound of adiabatic expansion in A) and Fourier transform of it using Audacity program and external microphone.

Measure temperatures everywhere possible. Discuss temperature measurement methods.

Use the micro thermistor to measure temperature in the water droplet container.

Resources and Related Information:
Whiteboard notes.
Ice crystals dancing in the electric field created by the charged balloon, by Nico. Local backup.


Assignment 4.5 Onlinle (see webCampus) measurement of wind in the atmosphere.

Assignment 4 Online (see webCampus) measurement of atmospheric temperature.

Purpose: Become familiar with atmospheric temperature measurements.

Assignment 3 Online (see webCampus) overview of Atmospheric Instrumentation.

Purpose: Broad overview of atmospheric instrumentation measurements.
This is an online homework assignment and is described on webCampus.

Assignment 2 Online (see webCampus) precipitation estimates.

Purpose: Become familiar with precipitation estimate measurements.

Assignment 1 Online (see webCampus) atmospheric radar measurements.

Purpose: Introduction to radar use in meteorology.

(Top of page) .