DLSU launches SIGWA for weather work

De La Salle University recently embarked on a new project dubbed Students Involved in Geophysical Weather and Atmospheric Studies. Better known as SIGWA, the project involves the deployment of 50 stations to all DLSU campuses and DLSU-supervised schools nationwide. 

 

SIGWA, which in Tagalog literally means storm, is led by Physics Department Chair Dr. Gil Nonato Santos, 2012 recipient of the DLSU Challenge Grant. There are currently a total of 20 deployed stations for this project. 

 

The project engages students in proper scientific data collection methodologies on weather studies, particularly on how to take land and air parametric measurements using weather instruments and confirm weather satellite readings.

 

Meteorological variables are measured by students using an Air Weather Observation System (AWOS) capable of measuring temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and rainfall observation and historical data.

 

Collaborators for the research include Dr. Auxencia Limjap of the Science Education Department, Dr. Maria Cecilia Galvez of the Physics Department’s LIDAR Research Group, Dr. Ma. Luisa D. Enriquez, director of CENSER, and Dr. Jose Santos Carandang IV, chair of the Biology Department. The project’s research assistant is Abel Ole of the Physics Department. 

 

The Office of the Associate Vice President for Campus Services and the Campus Sustainability Office serve as the convenors for DLSU Philippines and LASSO Schools.

 

SIGWA data can be viewed at the website.

Press release from De La Salle University