Abstract
This paper presents a new system of constant volume balloons used to study the dynamical and thermodynamical properties of the tropospheric boundary layer. The system allows to simultaneously localize up to 30 balloons and to observe thermodynamical characteristics of the air during their flight inside the boundary layer. Each balloon is equipped with a radar reflector and a sounding system giving information each second on pressure, humidity and temperature by sequential emissions which are received at a ground station. The trajectories of balloons are obtained by a non-tracking S-band radar where a special hardware processing unit allows to real time cancellation of most ground clutter. A complete set of the balloons positions is obtained every two or three minutes. The system was tested in October 1984 during a field experiment in the south of France. Results of the experimental procedure and of the quality of the balloon, radar and sounding capabilities are given. The scientific use of constant volume balloons in order to study the atmospheric boundary layer is examined.
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