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Wind patterns now visible in all weather


Pacific sea-surface wind vectors obtained by NASA

NASA scientists are using high frequency radar to monitor the strength and direction of the Earth's winds and believe the technology will prove beneficial to both meteorologists and the aviation industry.

Researchers at the Global Hydrology and Climate Centre are using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) - a technique used for many years to study the outer atmosphere - to examine the wind patterns on Earth.

LIDAR technology beams laser light through the atmosphere, which is reflected by dust and fine particles (aerosols). The elapsed time between the sending and reflection, indicates the distance to a given dust particle, whilst the associated colour shift indicates the particle's velocity.

"Radar excels at piercing bad weather, but it needs raindrops or hydrometeors (hail or snow) to get a signal. LIDAR struggles to go through thick clouds or heavy rain, but it can get you wind (measurements) in clear air, because it relies on aerosols," said Dr. Michael Kavaya, a scientist at the Global Hydrology and Climate Centre.

From the collection of this data, wind speed and direction can be determined over large areas.

LIDAR is similar to the Doppler Radar technology currently used for wind speed determination, however it uses higher frequency electromagnetic waves. LIDAR's higher frequency radiation (light) will be reflected by smaller particles than lower frequency radiation (microwaves) of radar, allowing it to determine wind characteristics in clear conditions.

In addition to the obvious benefit this technology will bring to weather forecasters, Dr Kavaya said airline companies stand to save between $A150 and A$200 million per year on fuel costs due to the ability of pilots to avoid headwinds.

"On-board LIDAR sensors on each airplane would be valuable for microburst wind shear and clear-air turbulence warnings. These are significant threats to passenger safety", he said.