The Use of Profiler Wind Data in Observational Studies

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A demonstration network of sounders of the vertical atmospheric wind structure is currently being deployed by the National Weather Service. These "profilers" are based on Doppler radar principals and represent a major advancement in operational instrumentation. Currently, operational wind measurements are made by balloon borne packages every twelve hours. The profilers will not only be capable of measurements every six minutes, but also will have better vertical resolution. It is anticipated that these new instruments will provide research opportunities beyond what was previously possible from operational data. The Principal Investigators will use data from the demonstration network as well as precursor experimental networks in a variety of mesoscale research activities. Emphasis will be on the physical understanding of the formation and maintenance of fronts, jets and mesoscale features of cyclones. Of special interest is the diagnosis of the processes occurring in the formation of small-scale cyclones in polar airstreams over land. The hourly evolution of the severe-storm environment also will be studied to relate the vertical shear profile to the character of convective storms.