DustWatch: using community networks to improve wind erosion monitoring in Australia
Author(s)
Leys, John
McTainsh, Grant
Strong, Craig
Heidenreich, Stephan
Biesaga, Kathryn
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2008
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Environmental reporting and understanding of aeolian processes at different spatial and temporal scales require both extensive temporal and spatial data sources. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) SYNOP data have been used for environmental reporting in Australia by McTainsh and colleagues since 1998; however, with the current trend to replace meteorological observers with automated surface observation systems such as weather stations, these data sources are not sustainable. DustWatch was established to fill some of the gaps in the BoM network by strategically adding a community network of observers and instruments. Satellite ...
View more >Environmental reporting and understanding of aeolian processes at different spatial and temporal scales require both extensive temporal and spatial data sources. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) SYNOP data have been used for environmental reporting in Australia by McTainsh and colleagues since 1998; however, with the current trend to replace meteorological observers with automated surface observation systems such as weather stations, these data sources are not sustainable. DustWatch was established to fill some of the gaps in the BoM network by strategically adding a community network of observers and instruments. Satellite imagery is also utilized when it is available. This paper outlines the nature of the DustWatch network, describes some of the educational and awareness outputs, outlines the types of data gathered and gives examples of how the data are being used both for environmental reporting and research into aeolian processes and activity.
View less >
View more >Environmental reporting and understanding of aeolian processes at different spatial and temporal scales require both extensive temporal and spatial data sources. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) SYNOP data have been used for environmental reporting in Australia by McTainsh and colleagues since 1998; however, with the current trend to replace meteorological observers with automated surface observation systems such as weather stations, these data sources are not sustainable. DustWatch was established to fill some of the gaps in the BoM network by strategically adding a community network of observers and instruments. Satellite imagery is also utilized when it is available. This paper outlines the nature of the DustWatch network, describes some of the educational and awareness outputs, outlines the types of data gathered and gives examples of how the data are being used both for environmental reporting and research into aeolian processes and activity.
View less >
Journal Title
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Volume
33
Issue
12
Subject
Geology
Physical geography and environmental geoscience