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#REDIRECT [[Automated meteorological data acquisition system]]
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[[File:Expo AMeDAS-2005-7-22.jpg|thumb|AMeDAS]]
'''AMeDAS''' ('''''A''utomated ''Me''teorological ''D''ata ''A''cquisition ''S''ystem'''), commonly known in [[Japanese language|Japanese]] as "アメダス" (''amedasu''), is a high-resolution [[surface observation]] network developed by the [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (JMA) used for gathering regional weather data and verifying forecast performance. The system began operating on November 1, 1974, and currently comprises 1,300 stations throughout [[Japan]] (of which over 1,100 are unmanned), with an average separation of {{convert|17|km|mi|abbr=on}}.
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Observations at manned stations cover [[weather]], [[wind]] [[wind direction|direction]] and [[wind speed|speed]], types and amounts of [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]], [[List of cloud types|types]] and [[Cloud base|base]] heights of [[cloud]]s, [[visibility]], air [[temperature]], [[humidity]], [[sunshine duration]], and [[atmospheric pressure]]. All of these (except weather, visibility and cloud-related meteorological elements) are observed automatically.
At unmanned stations, observations are performed every 10 minutes. About 700 of the unmanned stations observe precipitation, air temperature, wind direction and speed, and sunshine duration, while the other stations observe only precipitation.
For about 280 stations (manned or unmanned) located in areas of heavy [[snow]]fall, snow depth is also observed.
All the observational data is transmitted to the AMeDAS Center at JMA Headquarters in [[Tokyo]] on a [[Real-time computing|real time]] basis via dedicated telephone lines. The data is then delivered to the whole country after a quality check.
As well as weather conditions, AMeDAS is also used in the observation of [[natural disaster]]s. Temporary observation points are set up in areas where there are signs of [[volcanic eruption]]s or [[earthquake]]s.
== See also ==
* [[Mesonet]]
== External links ==
* [http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/Activities/observations.html Japan Meteorological Agency observations descriptions]
{{Meteorological equipment}}
{{Earth-based meteorological observation}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System}}
[[Category:Geography of Japan]]
[[Category:Japan Meteorological Agency]]
[[Category:Meteorological data and networks]]
[[Category:Meteorological instrumentation and equipment]]
[[Category:Science and technology in Japan]]
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