Questions About RECON

[micktooth]

Hi Guys, I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me. I know they might sound weird, but I would like to know.

1. Why won't RECON fly through a storm if it's over land? ie; a Caribbean island?
2. What happens to the dropsondes after they hit the water? Are they just littering the ocean bottom? Do they have any effect on marine biology?
3. Although slim, what would happen if a dropsonde hit a ship below? It can happen right???

Thanks in advance.

[JonathanBelles]

Hi Guys, I was wondering if you could answer a few questions for me. I know they might sound weird, but I would like to know.

1. Why won't RECON fly through a storm if it's over land? ie; a Caribbean island?
Most of the caribbean islands are far too mountainous to fly over with any meteorological meaning. Recon normally flies at 1,000 feet, while the mountain peaks over Hispaniola are over 10,000 feet high.

2. What happens to the dropsondes after they hit the water? Are they just littering the ocean bottom? Do they have any effect on marine biology?
Numerous things can happen. A select few are recovered, some do fall to the ocean bottom and act probably as artificial reefs, and others wash ashore.

3. Although slim, what would happen if a dropsonde hit a ship below? It can happen right???
I've never heard of a dropsonde hitting a ship, but I suppose it is possible. I have heard of a couple incidences where they have hit beaches. These are taken returned to the NWS and reused.

Thanks in advance.