American scientists from the NASA Ames Research Center managed to map the atmosphere with the help of feathered assistants on large frigates (Fregata major) equipped with electronic sensors in special backpacks. The study was published on: Web site American Geophysical Union (AGU).
Greater frigatebirds are large birds that live on islands in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans. Their wingspan reaches 2.3 meters. Typically frigates fly for long periods at an altitude of 2 to 4 kilometers. This made them suitable candidates for studying the atmospheric boundary layer, where many weather and climate processes occur.
Current atmospheric observation methods rely on ground-based measurements and remote sensing, but both are difficult to implement when collecting data over a large area of the open ocean.
The frigates coped well with their mission, allowing them to obtain information about the atmosphere in different weather conditions and times of day in the Palmyra Atoll area in the Pacific Ocean south of the Hawaiian Islands.
According to scientists, the information collected by furry trackers will help improve weather forecasts, climate change and clarify data on air quality.
Previous scientists learned Control live bees using brain stimulation.