9 Wacky Weather Stations
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Nearly every single weather station the U.S. government uses to measure the country's surface temperature <a href="http://pvw.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/02/23/climate-data-compromised-proximity-heat-sources-say-critics/">may be compromised</a>, say critics. Sensors that are supposed to be in empty clearings are instead exposed to crackling electronics and other sources of heat, from exhaust pipes and trash-burning barrels to chimneys and human graves. Here are nine of the worst offenders, thanks to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.surfacestations.org/"><b>SurfaceStations.org</b></a>.
This temperature sensor (MMTS, for maximum minimum temperature sensor) sits far too close to a parking lot, where air conditioners exhaust hot air, firefighters often barbecue and a cell phone tower base emits warmth. (SurfaceStations.org)
This temperature sensor sits awfully close to a house, with an air conditioning unit nearby, automobile parking, and the chimney for a fireplace. Note also the barbecue grill -- directly beneath the sensor. (SurfaceStations.org)
This weather station sits over a tombstone. While the effect of of a grave on the ambient air temperature may be negligible, it's certainly inappropriate. (SurfaceStations.org)
At this site in Oregon, the hot exhaust air from an air conditioner blows directly on a temperature shelter. Asphalt and buildings nearby radiate ambient heat as well. (SurfaceStations.org)
In Aberdeen, a sewage treatment plant near this temperature sensor probably creates ambient warm air. This photo was taken from a parking area just in front of the sensor; the hot automobile radiators of the cars probably influences temperatures as well. (SurfaceStations.org)
A barrel for burning trash and its aluminum exhaust tube sit a mere 5 feet from a temperature monitoring station in California. And just as asphalt parking lots radiate heat in the summer, a nearby tennis court has a similar effect. (SurfaceStations.org)
Warm air rises, right? Well, the warm air from this house in Oregon rises through the roof -- directly up to a roof-mounted temperature sensor. Where an air conditioner exhausts its hot air. (SurfaceStations.org)
A light bulb in a temperature sensor's shelter may make it easier to take a reading. And the heat from the bulb may also affect the temperature inside the shelter. (SurfaceStations.org)
Yes, that's an airplane in the background: This temperature sensor sits beside the Petaluma airport in California. It's also six feet from a house, where air conditioners exhaust directly towards it. (SurfaceStations.org)