Analysis of errors in barometric elevations in northern Nigeria

We present an analysis of errors contributing to the inaccuracy of aneroid altimeter observations under tropical conditions. Instrumental errors were investigated experimentally, while errors due to meterological factors were analyzed using an autocorrelation analysis of actual pressure observations. For an estimated accuracy of ±1.2 to ±2.5 m, it is recommended that a diurnal pressure variation be eliminated from the altimeter field readings and that measurements be restricted to 0500 to 1400 hours LST in the wet season and from 0500 to 1100 hours LST or 1500 to 1830 hours LST in the dry season.