The enabling legislation for the BOM includes the following functions
(1) The functions of the Bureau are:
(a) the taking and recording of
meteorological observations and other observations required for the purposes of
meteorology;
(b) the forecasting of weather and of
the state of the atmosphere;
(c) the issue of warnings of gales,
storms and other weather conditions likely to endanger life or property,
including weather conditions likely to give rise to floods or bush fires;
(d) the supply of meteorological
information;
(e) the publication of meteorological
reports and bulletins;
(f) the promotion of the use of
meteorological information;
(g) the promotion of the advancement
of meteorological science, by means of meteorological research and
investigation or otherwise;
(h) the furnishing of advice on
meteorological matters; and
(i) co‑operation with the
authority administering the meteorological service of any other country
(including a Territory specified under subsection 4(2)) in relation to any of
the matters specified in the preceding paragraphs of this subsection.
Sadly the BOM is clearly not fulfilling its functions. Sadly the government couldn't care less.
Sent Environment Minister Greg Hunt
February 18, 2015
RE:
Availability of data from weather stations with standard instrumentation prior
to 1910
Dear
Minister,
The Bureau
of Meteorology currently produce a series of homogenised weather products (eg
ACORN). These only extend back to 1910 due apparently to the lack of standard
equipment (Stevenson Screens) across the country. However a large number of
weather stations had Stevenson screens installed prior to 1910.
I recently
enquired with the BOM about the availability of data for one such station at
the former Musgrave Telegraph Station in northern Queensland (refer email
attached) and was advised that records prior to 1991 have not been digitised.
This
station, and others along the telegraph line were equipped with Stevenson
Screens and appropriate thermometers and rain gauges from 1887. It is
remarkable given the controversy surrounding climate data that our Nation’s
repository of weather data have not digitised and made available the complete
data record for stations such as this (ie stations with standard equipment) so
they can be incorporated into national climate data or made available for use
by university and independent researchers.
Can the
Minister provide an answer the following simple questions:
1. How many
of the nation’s weather stations had Stevenson Screens installed prior to 1910?
2. Which of
the nation’s weather stations had Stevenson Screens installed prior to 1910?
3. Will the
minister ensure that data from these stations is digitised and made freely
available online for study?
Regards
Marc
Hendrickx
The Minister's minion at the Bureau replies. Astonishingly, when it comes to Stevenson Screens, BOM do not know where or when!
