Communications in Meteorology

Because of the ever-changing nature of the phenomena with which it deals, operational meteorology requires an efficient communications system. This requirement transcends national boundaries and has given rise to international, as well as national, telecommunication systems. The facilities available at present in the United States to meet these needs are outlined. In particular the automated center operated by the Environmental Science Services Administration, Weather Bureau, at the Washington World Meteorological Center is described. Present communications technology is capable of bearing the tremendous volume of meteorological data available throughout the world today. However, modem equipment is not universally in use and the cost of acquisition and operation of communication systems available at present is prohibitive on the scale required. The increased need for data from remote areas, such as the oceans, will add significantly to the communications burden. As a result, new approaches are being explored. Several of these possible improvements are briefly noted.