Japanese researchers have validated a breakthrough in typhoon monitoring: a lightweight, biodegradable instrument that can be dropped directly into a storm’s eye to gather crucial atmospheric data. The device demonstrates remarkable accuracy while eliminating the need for traditional parachute systems.
Published in Scientific Online Letters on the Atmosphere (SOLA) | Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Eyes on the Storm
Understanding how typhoons intensify and move requires precise measurements of temperature, wind, and humidity within these powerful storms. Until now, gathering such data has posed significant challenges, as traditional weather balloons struggle against the extreme conditions over oceans where typhoons form and develop.
The new instrument, designated iMDS-17, weighs just 130 grams and features an innovative fin design that allows stable descent without a parachute. Constructed primarily from biodegradable materials, it represents a more environmentally conscious approach to storm monitoring.
Proving Precision
A research team led by Designated Associate Professor Sachie Kanada at Nagoya University, in collaboration with Meisei Electric Co. and the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, conducted rigorous performance evaluations. Testing took place in Okinawa, where they simultaneously launched their dropsonde alongside a reference radiosonde used by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The results demonstrated impressive accuracy: temperature measurements differed by less than 1 Kelvin, and wind speed variations were under 2 meters per second across most altitudes between 2 and 9 kilometers. While humidity readings initially showed some discrepancies, researchers have since improved this aspect of the device.
Real-World Application
The team has already put the device to work in actual storm conditions. In October 2024, they deployed 50 dropsondes into Typhoon Barijat, successfully collecting and transmitting data through the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Telecommunication System for use in weather forecasting systems worldwide.
Glossary
- Dropsonde: A small, disposable device dropped from aircraft to measure atmospheric conditions as it falls
- Radiosonde: A weather instrument carried by balloon to collect atmospheric data
- Global Telecommunication System (GTS): A worldwide network for sharing weather observation data
Test Your Knowledge
How much does the new dropsonde weigh?
The iMDS-17 weighs 130 grams.
How many dropsondes were deployed into Typhoon Barijat?
A total of 50 dropsondes were dropped into the typhoon.
What was the maximum temperature difference between the dropsonde and reference radiosonde measurements?
The difference in temperature measurements was less than 1 Kelvin at most altitudes between 9 km and 2 km.
What specific design features allow this dropsonde to function without a parachute?
The device uses a combination of fins and a lightweight body design to achieve stable descent without requiring a parachute.
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