Justification for high-ascent attainment for balloon radiosonde soundings at GRUAN and other sites

We first discuss technical challenges and the possible solutions for balloon soundings at these higher altitudes. Then, we assess the role of high-ascent radiosonde measurements in climate monitoring and various process studies, contributions to satellite calibration and validation, and impacts on numerical weather prediction systems.

The analysis herein shows that the extra costs and technical challenges involved in consistent attainment of high ascents are more than outweighed by the benefits for a broad variety of real-time and delayed-mode applications. Consistent attainment of high ascents should therefore be pursued across the GRUAN network and the broader observational network.