On January 1, 2025, a significant milestone in climate observation was achieved at the Xilinhot Upper-air Observatory in Inner Mongolia, China. At precisely 07:15, a balloon equipped with a Beidou satellite navigation sounding device soared into the sky, marking the first operational use of Beidou sounding data for upper-air baseline climate observation. This breakthrough has ushered in a new era for meteorological science in China.
A Leap in Atmospheric Data Collection
The Beidou satellite system, China’s own global navigation satellite network, plays a pivotal role in this innovative development. Once the balloon reached its target altitude, it began transmitting vertical atmospheric data, which was promptly uploaded to “Tianqing,” China’s meteorological big data cloud platform. This platform integrates and analyzes vast meteorological datasets to improve weather prediction accuracy and deepen our understanding of climate trends.
The data collected from the Xilinhot observatory promises to be a game-changer. It offers long-term, continuous, and stable atmospheric readings, essential for understanding weather patterns, tracking climate change, and supporting disaster management efforts. This local dataset will enhance global climate models and provide insights into regional atmospheric conditions.
The Role of the Beidou System in Modern Meteorology
The Beidou satellite navigation system has steadily expanded its applications, from transportation and logistics to precision agriculture and disaster management. Its integration into upper-air meteorological observations is a testament to its versatility and reliability. By using Beidou-enabled devices, meteorologists can achieve higher precision in measuring atmospheric parameters, including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and air pressure.
According to Guo Qiyun, Deputy Director of the Meteorological Observation Centre (MOC) under the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), this development represents the first operational use of Beidou sounding data for upper-air baseline climate observation. He emphasized that such innovations are vital for addressing the growing challenges posed by climate variability and extreme weather events.
The successful application of Beidou sounding data at Xilinhot is just the beginning. Plans are underway to expand this capability to other observatories across China, further enriching the country’s meteorological database. This initiative aligns with global efforts to enhance climate resilience through advanced observation technologies.
Incorporating Beidou data into meteorological operations underscores China’s commitment to leveraging indigenous technologies to tackle global challenges. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, innovations like these will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.
