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6 Glossary
Air Temperature. Refers to the surface air temperature without the influence of direct solar
radiation. Also defined as the temperature reading by a thermometer placed in a shaded
shelter 1-2 m above the ground.
Aspirated Radiation Shield. (see Radiation Shield)
AWG. American Wire Gauge, which is a standardized to measure wire diameter for round,
electrical, solid, conducting wire. The lowest the AWG, the thickest the wire. For more
information and a table of physical and electrical properties of wires of different gauges see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge .
Battery. A rechargeable battery is an essential component of the climate station that allows it
to work during cloudy conditions and at night. We recommend using a 12 VDC 50 Amp-h
sealed battery to provide enough charge for the system, in particular the aspirated radiation
shield (consumes 250 mA or 6 Amp-h in a 24 h period). The battery should be enclosed in a
enclosure that allows some flow of air (and avoid H buildup) but sturdy enough to protect it
from the elements (rain, heat).
Calibration. A process to adjust measurements from a sensor to a universally defined
standard of measurement. For example, a thermometer can be calibrated by measuring the
boiling point of distilled water at 0 m above sea level and re-setting this value to 100 °C.
Each sensor follows specific calibration procedures at defined intervals of time to minimize
measurement bias.
Charge regulator. A device that maintains a load voltage nearly constant over a range of
variations of input voltage and current. A charge regulator is installed between the solar
panel and the battery to charge it in full without overcharge in varying conditions while
preventing reverse current during the night (from the battery to the solar panel).
Climate Protocol Maintenance Logs. Field forms to verify and collect information about
the physical status of a climate station. This includes condition of the climate base and its
surrounding area, the data logger and enclosure, the sensors and the power sources of the
climate station. Climate logs should be filled every 2-4 weeks.
Climate Station. The climate station is defined here as the set of sensors, data logger, power
supplies and physical base (tower/tripod) that is assembled to monitor climatological
variables continuously at a fixed point in space.
Data Logger. Computer that receives signals (electrical, pulse, etc) from the sensors and
transforms them into measurements with units (°C, mm, etc) over an integrated period of
time. The datalogger can also regulate the function of some sensors or instruments by
providing or cutting power to them as applicable.
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