UNITED STA TES DA IL Y A TMOSPHERIC SUIi VK Y 303 



distribution of these forces on two levels, it is hoped to better 

 understand the development of storms and cold waves and event- 

 ually improve the forecasts of their future course, extent, and rate 

 of movement. 



In exceptional cases we have flown the kites to a height of 

 nearly two miles. From daily readings at only one kite station, 

 at Washington, we have derived information as to the direction 

 and force of the wind above the one-mile level, which has greatlv 

 assisted us in estimating the future direction of a storm center 

 when our surface chart gave but negative indications. It will Ite 

 a fascinating study to note the progress of cold waves at this high 

 level and to determine if the changes in temperature do not first 

 begin above. The readings at Washington indicate that contend- 

 ing equatorial and polar winds may be more {)otent in the forma- 

 tion of storm eddies than heated and ascending convectional 

 currents. 



I am anxious to know the difference in temperature l)etween 

 the surface and the upper stratum in the four quadrants of the 

 cyclone and in the four quadrants of the anti-cyclone, especially 

 when the storm and cold-wave conditions are intense. At an 

 elevation of five miles but little effect remains of diurnal tem- 

 perature variation. At this altitude the atniosphere is free from 

 the disturbing influence of immediate surface radiation, and con- 

 sequently there is but little change between the temperature of 

 midday and midnight. The vertical distribution of temperature 

 in the several quadrants of the cold-wave or rainstorm areas may 

 give a clue to the future direction of the storm. When we are 

 able to construct isobaric gradients at the one-mile level it may 

 be discovered that the storm center at that elevation will not 

 always coincide with the geographical location of the storm 

 center at the surface of the earth. The displacement of this 

 center ma}'' possibly give some indication of the future direction 

 of the storm. There are many interesting problems to be solved 

 by this investigation. 



The Eleventh International Congress of Orientalists was opened at 

 Paris on September 5, with SOO nienil)ers in attendanco. One of tiie most 

 interesting discussions had reference to the proposed (iictionary of liiero- 

 glyphics, which is to be compiled under the auspices of the German 

 government by members of the academies of Berlin, Oottingen, Leipzig, 

 and Munich. It is expected that the actual publication will begin in 

 1908 and be completed by the end of 1913. 



