 GPS Dropsondes are instruments deployed from
aircraft to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and
especially winds between flight level and the surface. Use of
the Global Positioning System for wind finding is a technical
revolution. The sonde moves with the horizontal wind as it
falls at 10 m/s (2000 ft/min) so that the wind can be
determined from the Doppler shifts of the GPS signals. It
carries capacitive temperature, moisture, and pressure
sensors. Readings are telemetered to the airplane at half second
intervals. Vertical resolution for all measurements is 5 m.
The model illustrated was new in 1996. With its finer vertical
resolution, superior thermodynamic sensors, and GPS navigation,
it is a great improvement over earlier versions. It promises to
revolutionize understanding of hurricane motion and intensity change.
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GPS sonde launch from a P3:
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