Enhanced Velocity Azimuth Display Wind Profile (EVWP) Function

Currently, the WSR-88D Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD) wind estimate for each individual Velocity Azimuth Display Wind Profile (VWP) height is based on the data available for a single elevation/slant range pair. This assumes that adequate return is available using the single elevation/slant range pair to calculate a representative wind estimate for the particular height. In many meteorological situations this is not a valid assumption.

The Enhanced Velocity Azimuth Display Wind Profile (EVWP) function is designed to improve the availability and accuracy of VWP wind estimates. The EVWP function employs the VAD algorithm to produce multiple supplemental VAD wind estimates for each VWP height. Each supplemental VAD wind estimate is derived using a different elevation/slant range pair.

At the end of the volume scan, the VWP product is built using the “best” VAD estimate for each height. Data analysis is underway to determine the rules for selecting the "best" VAD estimate.

Currently the EVWP function is undergoing engineering testing at the WSR-88D Radar Operations Center.

This paper describes the current test implementation of EVWP function and presents operational examples of the benefits achieved using the EVWP function to populate the VWP product.

Preference: Poster presentation