Why Do We Take Meteorological Observations and what is Wrong with our Present System?

Abstract

Moderator Cressman led off the panel discussion by pointing out that meteorological observations can be put to at least four types of use. The first can be thought of as data for immediate use, i.e., ceiling, visibility and surface wind to provide guidance for aircraft landings. These are not only required from the common-sense point of view for operations, but there is also a legal requirement for some of these observations.

Only two of the listed panelists, Profs. Court and Neuberger, were actually scheduled to participare and were thus able to Mr. Noble and Dr. Süssenberger graciously agreed to join the panel with only an hour or so in which to consider the questions posed to the panel. These last minute arrangements were made necessary by a paralyzing snowstorm which closed roads and airports in the northeastern United States. The mangy colorful remarks made by the panelists on this storm and its effects have been omitted from this summary.