Finished! Looks like this project is out of data at the moment!
Thank you for your efforts! We have completed the digitization of the Bozen meteorological record! Click here for more details."
FAQ
How bad is it if I mistype?
Not that bad. It is normal to make a few mistakes and for this reason every page is keyed by three different volunteers, so that it is easy for us to spot and correct typos.
What do I do if there is a clear typo in the document?
You should copy the typo as it is. We will correct or remove the value in a successive step.
Should I use a dot or a comma as decimal separator?
You can use either. For example it does not matter whether you type 10.5 or 10,5.
What kind of measurements are being digitized?
Measurements of air pressure and temperature.
How was air temperature measured in the 19th century?
The measurement standards in the 19th century were very different from today. The thermometer was usually exposed outside a north-facing window, with little or no radiation shield. Therefore, one cannot compare directly the raw data measured then with those measured today. Nevertheless, climate scientists are able to estimate adjustments that allow a scientifically meaningful comparison.
How are pressure data used?
Pressure and its variations provide a great deal of information on the state of the atmosphere and allow a reconstruction of large-scale circulation. Pressure data are fundamental for the so-called "reanalyses", an important instrument in modern climate research to study past climate variability and past weather events. By assimilating pressure measurements from different locations into a numerical weather model it is possible to reconstruct the 3-dimensional field of many other variables such as wind, humidity, precipitation. etc.
Who made the measurements?
The measurements were made by the friars of a Franciscan cloister, with instruments provided by the central weather office of Vienna (k.k Central-Anstalt für Meteorologie). This was a common arrangement for weather observatories in the 19th century, particularly in the Alpine region.
How can I stay updated on this project?
You can follow the project's blog.
I have a question that is not covered in this page.
If you have a Zooniverse account (recommended) you can use the "Talk" tool. In alternative, you can write to yuri.brugnara@giub.unibe.ch.