MAGS Moisture Budget Studies (using instrumental weather balloons)
Principal Investigator: Strong, G.S. (1)
Licence Number: 13000
Organization: Environment Canada
Licensed Year(s): 1998
Issued: Sep 04, 1998
Project Team: John Gyakum, Ron Stewart, Bob Kochtubajda, Dave Gudak, H.R. Cho

Objective(s): To obtain quantitative information on atmospheric temperatures, moisture, and winds from ground level to 15,000 km (or higher) above sea level (ASL), using instrumented weather balloons (radiosondes). It is proposed to release radiosondes on inflated helium-filled balloons 2-6 times daily, depending on weather conditions, for three or four months during the period September, 1998 through September 1999. These data are essential to determine sources and sinks of moisture in different seasons and weather regimes. The sources of moisture include transpiration from vegetation over the basin (primarily during summer), evaporation from open water (mostly during late summer through until freeze up), and moisture carried into the basin from the Pacific (all seasons). Sinks of moisture include precipitation over the basin and discharge through the Mackenzie into the Beaufort Sea, and atmospheric moisture carried out of the basin by upper winds. This work is motivated by the need to resolve the critical balance between atmospheric moisture and surface water discharge and storage in the current climate scenario, with precipitation (rain and snow) and evaporation being the two process linkages. The results will be used in complex numerical computer models of the climate to determine the water balance of the Mackenzie resulting from any climate warming.

Project Description: The purpose of this study is to obtain quantitative information on atmospheric temperatures, moisture, and winds from ground level to 15,000 km (or higher) above sea level (ASL), using instrumented weather balloons (radiosondes). It is proposed to transport the instrumentation and other items by truck to Fort Simpson airport. The system is self contained and can be installed in hours upon arrival. The system would be housed in a trailer on the east side of the Fort Simpson airport, unless suitable office space is available. A PC computer is part of the system, and AC power is necessary. It is proposed to coordinate this system, and possible to co-locate it, with weather radar system also being proposed at this site. A small exterior tent or shed will also be necessary to be used for inflating latex balloons used for each "sounding" and for storing tanks of helium. Helium is completely non-toxic, inert and non-explosive. The balloons deteriorate rapidly in sunlight and heat. The sonde is released on a 10 m cord attached to the balloon, which rises at approximately 5 m/s. The attached sonde is tracked for one hour or less, and temperature, moisture, and wind data are transmitted continuously back to the ground station, processed by computer, then transmitted to a major computer in Montreal by satellite communications.