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Wes and Robert study the atmosphere. To do this
they send up a big helium balloon that has a small box dangling
from a string. In the box has an antenna that can communicate
with up to 8 satellites, and several sensors that measure things
like temperature, pressure, and moisture. The fancy name for this
balloon and sensor package is called a radiosonde. The information
that comes back to their computers is called an upper-air sounding.
The data is graphed to show what's going on in that atmosphere,
on that day, in that location. Wes and Robert are part of a team
that launches balloons every 3 hours! The idea is that the more
data they collect the more accurate their "profile"
or picture of the atmosphere will be. Also, they look for changes
in the atmosphere as the ship moves along its track. Note for educators: Although Jennifer and Jane's reseearch cruise ended, the EPIC research continues. Please use this web site, Jennifer and Jane's lesson plans, daily logs, the videos, and the photos to educate your students about climate, El Niño, and scientific research in general. Consider this web site, as well as the TAO web site, a resource for teaching your students. Many organizations and countries are involved in funding the EPIC Experiment. Primary U. S. funding is provided by The National Science Foundation and The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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