The instrumentation of tethered balloons for air pollution research

Consideration of the problems involved in using tethered balloons to sample temperature changes at various heights and to carry out measurements of wind speed and of the vertical extent of the spread of pollution. The results of preliminary work are presented which concern safety measures to be taken when handling large quantities of hydrogen in balloons constructed of artificial fibers, which tend to accumulate static, and also concern the different methods and types of airborne equipment required for the measurements. In particular, descriptions are given of the portable suction pump used in taking air pollution samples, the Casella sensitive cup anemometer used for measuring wind speed, and the Mark III radiosonde for measuring temperature. Finally, a brief description is given of the ground receiving equipment.