the data, new sensors, and emerging calibration techniques. When a new type of sensor can contribute to improving the quality of the observations, there will be at least a one-year continuity overlap of current and new sensors. Every USCRN instrument site is being equipped with the following: a standard set of sensors a data logger a satellite communications transmitter attached to a typical 10 foot (3 meter) instrument tower at least one weighing rain gauge, encircled by a windshield Data from these USCRN sites are used to provide information on long-term changes in air temperature and precipitation, including means and extremes. Additional sensors may be added in the future, such as soil moisture and soil temperature. USCRN data is intended to be used in operational climate monitoring activities and for placing current climate anomalies into a historical perspective. Data is transmitted hourly via the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Data Collection System and is immediately distributed by the National Weather Service to their operational sites. Observations are accessible through the Internet. The future of the project The USCRN hopes to provide the nation with a long-term (50 to 100 years) observation network that will serve as the Nation's Benchmark Climate Reference Network. When fully implemented, the network will consist of several hundred instrument suites strategically selected to capture climate trends, variations, and change across the nation. References External links official website Climatological research organizations Meteorological instrumentation and equipment Climate change organizations based in the United States