The estimation of high density atmospheric motion vectors and their application to operational numerical weather prediction

As the spatial, temporal and spectral resolution of observations from space has improved, their benefit to numerical weather prediction (NWP) has increased. The utility of these data has also been aided by increased computer power, improved NWP models and the use of improving data assimilation techniques. This paper provides a summary of high spatial and temporal resolution atmospheric motion vector (AMV) estimation at the Bureau of Meteorology and new data impact results for the Australian region. In particular, it summarises recent experiments examining the use of each type of these vectors in NWP and also details an operational trial in which all types of AMV's were used simultaneously. As a result of this trial, these AMVs are now used for operational regional NWP.