Operations of Mesoscale Networks, Illustrated By METROMEX

Abstract Mesoscale networks are designed and used to serve various specific purposes. Experience in the operation of several meso-networks has been used to describe those factors to be considered in their design. installation, and operations. Successful operation of networks depends on good management that can optimize project goals and available resources. The primary factors involved include network planning, procurement of facilities and staff, instrument siting, data collection, maintenance, calibration, data processing, and the eventual data bank. Long-term data retention is useful since network data frequently get re-used in subsequent, unforseen research. METROMEX, an on-going program studying urban effects on weather, has 15 sub-networks, and their designs and operations are used as illustrations. Public relations, unexpected problems, and data processing are high-lighted for the rainfall and severe storm networks.