B.5 THE WEATHER AT PUNTA BEGOÑA

This is a multi-parameter weather station. It has the following sensors, which collect data in real time:

• 1 & 2 – A wind gauge with a weathervane to measure both wind speed and direction.
• 3 – A thermometer that records maximum, minimum and average temperatures.
• 4 – An atmospheric moisture meter.
• 5 – An atmospheric pressure meter, fitted inside the cabinet.
• 6 & 7 – A rainfall gauge that records both the amount and intensity of rainfall, and has a built-in rainwater collection system.
• 8 – A sensor buried in the ground that records the relative humidity of the soil.

The rainwater collected is analysed to determine its composition and potential effects on the site. The shape of the coastline and the prevailing winds were taken into account in choosing this location for the gauge.

When the weather data gathered are processed they reveal essential information about the area around the galleries, such as wind direction and speed in usual circumstances and during storms, how much rain falls in the area, the chemical composition of the water, including what industrial contaminants are present, how aggressive they are and how they are linked to the damage caused to the construction materials on the site.