Technical data sheet

On May 15, 2008 the Ev-K2-CNR Committee installed the world’s highest ground automatic weather station (AWS) on Mt. Everest’s South Col at 8,000 m (26,247 ft.) a.s.l.  The station, developed by the Italian manufacturer LSI-Lastem, began collecting data at 15.20, Nepali time, thanks to the exceptional efforts of a skilled team of Italian and Nepali climbers: Silvio Mondinelli, Michele Enzio and Marco Confortola; and Dawa Tshering Sherpa, Pema Chhosang Sherpa and Thsiri Sherpa of Khumjung, Phura Sherpa of Namche and Phura Sherpa of Walung.   Under the technical supervision of Gian Pietro Verza, Ev-K2-CNR’s Technical Manager, the team worked for three hours at 8,000 m (26,247 ft.) without using supplemental oxygen in extreme weather conditions to start the data acquisition process. 

The AWS has already been functioning for one week, continuously measuring: air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, global solar radiation, UVA radiation, wind speed and direction.  These parameters are recorded every ten minutes and data is transmitted hourly to a server at the Pyramid Laboratory-Observatory (5,050 m - 16,568 ft.- a.s.l., near Lobuche in Nepal’s Khumbu Valley), and from there to Ev-K2-CNR headquarters in Italy.

Following is a summary of this preliminary data, which are characterised by a mean atmospheric pressure of 380.88 hPa, westerly prevailing winds and very low humidity, especially during the night time hours.  Minimum temperature reached -22.4° C and maximum wind speed was 117.72 km/h.
 
 

South Col AWS

South Col AWS mean values [preliminary data elaborations]

Air temperature and atmospheric pressure

Relative humidity

Wind speed and direction

Global and UVA solar radiation

                
                           
Measurements from this unique meteorological observation point can provide important information for the scientific community for everything from weather forecasting to understanding climate change, especially when analyzed together with data from the recently installed AWS at Kala Pattar: 5,600 m (18,373 ft.) a.s.l. Furthermore, these new stations will surely become significant components of Ev-K2-CNR’s SHARE (Stations at High Altitude for Research on the Environment) Network in the Khumbu Valley, which already includes AWSs at Lukla: 2,660 (8,727 ft.) m a.s.l., Namche: 3,560 m (11,680 ft.) a.s.l., Pheriche: 4,258 m (13,970 ft.) a.s.l. and at the Pyramid: 5,050 m (16,568 ft.) a.s.l. Near the Pyramid, at 5,079 m (16,663 ft.) a.s.l., there is also a more complete atmospheric monitoring station which is part of the UNEP Atmospheric Brown Cloud observatory project (reference name: Nepal Climate Observatory- Pyramid) and the WMO Global Atmosphere Watch network (reference name: Pyramid Everest station).

Data from the South Col AWS could contribute to several studies concerning meteorology and climate changes in the region, particularly when combined with information collected at the Pyramid monitoring station which measures atmospheric composition, including black carbon, ozone, and optical and physical properties.  Ev-K2-CNR researchers have placed special emphasis on potential research activities to be developed in the framework of the WMO Coordinated Energy and water cycle Observation (CEOP) Project and its newly created High Elevations group.

Information from this station can also help improve safety for Himalayan climbing expeditions, as it is to be integrated in the weather forecast of Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Meteorological Forecasting Division.

The technological innovations:

• High quality weather monitoring instruments were customized and adapted for performance at 8,000 m (26,247 ft.) a.s.l.  The sensors and data logger underwent simulation tests in which high altitude conditions were reproduced (environmental temperature of -40°C and atmospheric pressure of 300 hPa) to verify continuous functioning of the electronic components and the data acquisition, storage and transmission mechanisms.  The accuracy and stability of the signal measurement by the sensors was further improved after these tests.
• Synchronized radio communications minimize energy consumption and allow for continuous data transmission.
• The weight of the sensor supports was reduced and mechanical components adapted to the presumed installation site conditions, which could only be truly understood once the climbers reached South Col.
• In order to facilitate the work of the climbers in extreme conditions of hypoxia and reduced visibility, the wiring system which connects the sensors to the data logger (“E-log”) was designed so that no tools were needed and connection would be as simple as possible, thus avoiding a complex electrical connection scheme. To avoid possible damage in the case of adverse weather conditions, the unit’s watertight door never needed to be opened during wiring and installation.
• An automatic and remote controlled activation and checking system was designed, so communication and instrumentation tests could be performed in as little time as possible, thus reducing the exposure time of the climbing team.
• The flexible radio repeater system is equipped to handle malfunctions, so data can be transmitted, albeit with a delay, should the radio links break down.