Abstract

The relocation effect of observation station (REOS) on the homogeneity of seasonal mean of maximum and minimum temperature, diurnal temperature range (DTR) and relative humidity (RH) was investigated using surface observation data and document file. Twelve stations were selected among the 60 stations which have been operated more than 30 years and relocated over one time. The data from Chunpungryeong station were used as a reference to separate the impacts of station relocation from the effects caused by increased green house gases, urbanization, and others. The REOS was calculated as a difference between REOS of relocated station and REOS of reference station. Although the REOS is clearly dependent on season, meteorological elements, and observing stations, statistically significant impacts are found in many stations, especially the environment of observing station after relocation is greatly changed. As a result, homogeneity of seasonal mean of meteorological elements, especially DTR and RH, is greatly reduced. The results showed that the effect of REOS, along with the effect of urbanization, should be eliminated for the proper estimation of climate change from the analysis of long-term observation data.

Keywords

• Diurnal temperature range;
• Relative humidity;
• Relocation effect;
• Homogeneity