Environmental monitoring network along a mountain valley using embedded controllers

This paper presents the design and implementation of an atmospheric observing system to study downslope winds in the Laja River Valley, southern-central Chile. Practical design issues are discussed based on the first two years of operation, as well as scientific results that demonstrate the potential of the measurement system. The system consists of a network of eight meteorological stations that characterize the winds along the Laja River Valley, Chile. The meteorological network extends over 90 km, beginning with the station at the Antuco Ski Center at 1395 m.a.s.l. and ending at the Charrua Electric Plant at 153 m.a.s.l. The meteorological stations were designed to employ an embedded controller and high-performance instruments with low power consumption. In order to transmit data to the base station, a communication protocol was developed using SMS messages. Graphic tools are also available in the project webpage to visualize received data. Data reported in this work show that the meteorological network is able to identify and characterize downslope winds.