Australian Bureau of Meteorology wind profiler network

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology operates several boundary layer profilers in spaced array mode as well as a tropospheric profiler in Doppler beam swinging mode. The strengths and weaknesses of each mode are described and compared.

Data verification, intercomparison with balloon winds, GPS radiosonde soundings and data quality analysis have been major components of the integration of profilers into the Bureau's composite observing system. The methods and results are detailed, as are modifications to improve performance

The human element has provided many challenges from introducing, accepting and assimilating new data. Resistance to change and generating confidence in the data have added to the complexity of the task. The production of a display system that is easy to use and integrates well with the tools used at our forecasting centres remains a challenge.

In conclusion we briefly describe the potential for an increased role of profilers in the Bureau's composite observing system.