what is the difference between a radiosonde and a rawinsonde?

Question

Thats my question. I keep getting redirected to radiosonde when i type rawinsonde. I need to know the answer for a test, so please dont answer unless you are pretty sure about it. Thanks

Answer 1

Rawinsonde (Rawin stands for radar wind) gives only wind data at different levels.If a metal target to reflect radar signals is tied to a baloon filled with hydrogen and is released, the baloon will be ascending and at the same time drifting horizontally according to the wind speed .This is tracked by radar and wind speed and direction are derived for different altitudes.But radiosonde is an instrument which is also tied to a balloon as above and released. This contains sensors which measure temperature,dewpoint(humidity) and pressure at different levels and transmits to a receiver at the ground.Usually a metal target is also attached along with the above radiosonde instrument to get the wind data also.So radiosonde and rawinsonde are usually combined together and is collectively called radiosonde.So rawin sonde gives only wind data whereas radiosonde gives temperature,humidity and pressure in addition to wind data.

Answer 2

Note: Corrected from first initial post.

According to NOAA -NWS, FMH-3, "Rawinsonde and Pibal Observations: "The rawinsonde system consists of a balloon-borne radiosonde, receiving and tracking equipment, and computer systems for data processing." The information data collected will help measure variations in wind data as it moves across the atmosphere.

The word "radiosonde" refers to the equipment package with a radio transmitter that measures temperature, pressure, and humidity.

The instrument package, with a rawinsonde included, that flies in the sky can also be called a radiosonde. This complete package will help in producing a upper air sounding.

Answer 3

Both have same instrumentation. The radiosonde transmits data to the ground but must be tracked visually to obtain upper level winds. The rawinsonde is tracked by radar from which the winds are determined. So the big difference is in how the winds are obtained.

Answer 4

Rawinsonde