Site Selection Criteria

In order to make accurate measurements of atmospheric and soil conditions across multiple decades, many criteria are considered before selecting a site and establishing a USCRN station. The primary criteria include:

Spatial representativeness: Locations should be representative of the conditions of the region, and not heavily influenced by unique local factors.
Long term site stability: Consideration is given to whether the area surrounding the site is likely to experience major land-use change within 50 to 100 years. The risk of development encroachment over time and the chance the site will close due to the sale of the land or other factors are evaluated. Federal, state, and local government land often provide a high stability factor. Population growth patterns are also considered. This primary criteria is called temporal stability.
Other secondary criteria involve naturally occurring risks and variability, and logistical concerns:
- Locations subject to flooding, heavy snow cover, or severe winds like the Santa Ana and the Chinook are avoided.
- Nearby availability of personnel with an understanding of weather observing systems is desirable.
- Relatively easy year-round access by vehicle for installation and periodic maintenance is favored.