NASA’s new wind profiler enhances weather forecasting with cutting-edge technology

Since last fall, NASA scientists have been flying an advanced 3D Doppler wind lidar, the Aerosol Wind Profiler (AWP), across the U.S. to gather crucial data on wind speed, direction, and aerosol concentration. This technology aims to improve weather forecasting by providing more precise measurements, especially in areas where traditional data sources like satellites or weather balloons are limited.

Wind measurements are essential for predicting weather events like severe thunderstorms and hurricanes. Currently, global wind data is sparse, with only commercial aircraft and weather balloons offering limited insights. AWP seeks to fill these gaps by creating detailed 3D wind profiles.

Mounted on a modified aircraft, the AWP sends 200 laser pulses per second, which scatter off particles like dust, smoke, and sea salt in the air. These pulses change their wavelength, a phenomenon known as the Doppler effect, allowing AWP to generate accurate wind vectors.

During its flights, AWP was paired with NASA’s High-Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) to gather complementary data on water vapor and aerosols. This collaboration enhances the ability to understand atmospheric conditions, with the hope of eventually flying the technology on satellites for global use.

AWP’s contributions are vital for improving weather models, especially for extreme weather like hurricanes, as demonstrated during its flight through Hurricane Helene. The integration of AWP into future satellite missions could significantly enhance global weather forecasting capabilities.

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