Humidity and Climatological Temperature

The humidity and temperature sensors They are essential in meteorology and climatology to monitor atmospheric conditions.

Temperature Sensor:

Ambient temperature sensors are used to measure air temperature, an essential parameter for understanding the climate and predicting the weather. There are several types of temperature sensors, among the most common are:

• Thermistors: Devices whose electrical resistance varies with temperature. They are sensitive and precise, suitable for meteorological applications.
• Thermocouples: They consist of two conductors of different metals joined at one end. The temperature difference between the ends generates a proportional electrical signal.
• RTD (Resistance Temperature Detectors): They use materials whose electrical resistance changes predictably with temperature, offering high precision and stability.

Humidity Sensor:

Humidity sensors measure the amount of water vapor present in the air, which is crucial for climate and meteorological studies. The main types of humidity sensors include:

• Capacitive Sensors: They work by measuring changes in the dielectric constant of a material in response to variations in humidity. These sensors typically consist of two electrodes, one of which is coated with a hygroscopic material that absorbs water vapor from the air. When the hygroscopic material absorbs water vapor, it causes a change in the dielectric constant between the two electrodes, which is measured by the sensor.
• Resistive Sensors: They measure changes in the electrical resistance of a material in response to variations in humidity. The most common type of resistive humidity sensor is the polymer-based sensor, which consists of a conductive polymer film that changes its resistance when exposed to water vapor. When the polymer film absorbs water vapor from the air, it swells and becomes more conductive, which increases the electrical current passing through the sensor. This change in resistance is proportional to the amount of water vapor in the air and can be measured to determine the humidity level.
• Thermal Conductivity Sensors: They measure the air's ability to conduct heat, which varies with humidity.
• Psychrometric Sensors: They use the temperature difference between a dry and wet thermometer to calculate relative humidity.

The integration of temperature and humidity sensors into weather stations enables accurate monitoring of atmospheric conditions, facilitating weather prediction and the study of climate patterns.