We have published a report on surface temperature observation sites in Mongolia. The report is
Jamiyansharav, K., D. Ojima, and R.A. Pielke Sr., 2006: Exposure characteristics of the Mongolian weather stations. Atmospheric Science Paper No. 779, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, 77 pp.
The abstract reads,
“The global average temperature anomalies are based in part on the Global Climate Observing Network (GCON) stations’ data. To insure the reliability of data, the Mongolian GCON meteorological stations’ exposure characteristics were surveyed during July-August 2005. Mongolia is a large continental region sandwiched between Russia and China at the junction of the Siberian taiga forests, Dahurian steppes, and Gobi Desert. According to the World Meteorological Organizations (WMO) guidelines, meteorological observing stations should be chosen to minimize the effects of surroundings such as trees, buildings, and other obstructions by at least 100 m radius. However, in the photo survey, some of the GCON stations did not meet the WMO standards. Therefore, the reliability of the data from these stations should be assessed and used carefully in surface temperature trend assessments. Following the WMO guidelines for GCON sites should be a priority.”
Clearly, the issue of poor siting of the long term climate observing sites is not limited to the United States.