BALLOONS AS A LAGRANGIAN MEASUREMENT PLATFORM FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

The history of constant-level balloons as observational platforms for atmospheric research is reviewed. Recent experience in using simple te troons with Global Positioning System transponders for long-range trac king during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX) i s presented, along with an overview of the results of the ASTEX/Marine Aerosol and Gas Exchange Lagrangian strategy experiments. Progress in balloon materials and tracking capabilities is discussed, and a desig n is presented for an economical, lightweight ''smart balloon'' for us e in future Lagrangian strategy, atmospheric chemistry experiments.