Meteorological Network

the aggregate of weather stations that make observations in accordance with a common program at precisely determined times in order to study the weather and the climate and to solve other practical and scientific problems. In every country the basic state meteorological network is, as a rule, a part of the meteorological service (in the USSR it is a part of the Hydrometeorological Service of the USSR). In addition to weather stations, a state meteorological network has specialized stations such as aerological, actinometrical, and agrometeorological stations and stations on ocean-going ships. In the USSR there are (as of Jan. 1, 1973) about 4,000 stations and about 7,500 observation posts.

Along with the countrywide meteorological network there are stations and posts for special purposes where observations are made in accordance with programs that are coordinated with the Hydrometeorological Service of the USSR and are under the jurisdiction of various ministries and departments.