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Difficulty: MediumWeather Elements, Instruments, and Measurements

During an inspection of a standard meteorological station, geography students noticed that the wooden cabinet containing several measuring instruments was painted white and constructed with double-louvered side panels. Which of the following best explains the purpose of these design features?

  1. To reflect solar radiation and allow free air circulation while protecting instruments from direct sunlight and precipitationAnswer
  2. B
    To absorb terrestrial radiation and maintain a warm microclimate around the mercury barometer inside
  3. C
    To trap atmospheric humidity and prevent evaporation from the wet-bulb thermometer reservoir
  4. D
    To channel wind currents directly into the cabinet to measure wind velocity with an internal anemometer

Answer

The white paint reflects incoming solar radiation to avoid heating the interior, and the double-louvered sides allow free air movement while shielding instruments like thermometers from direct sunlight and rain.
The Stevenson screen is painted white to reflect solar radiation and prevent the enclosure from heating up above ambient shade temperature. The double-louvered sides permit natural air movement while shielding the thermometers inside from direct sunlight, wind gusts, and rain.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the purpose of a Stevenson screen in a weather station.
A Stevenson screen is designed to shield temperature and humidity instruments from direct solar heat, rain, and ground radiation while allowing ambient air to circulate freely.
Accurate weather measurement requires measuring shade air temperature and natural relative humidity.
2
Evaluate the function of white paint and louvered sides.
White paint reflects sunlight (high albedo), preventing the box from absorbing heat. Louvered sides act like blinds, letting air flow through while blocking direct light and precipitation.
This setup ensures the instruments measure true ambient atmospheric conditions without radiation bias.

Key Concept

Stevenson Screen Construction and Function
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Topics

Weather Elements, Instruments, and Measurements

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