Ground Based Stereo Cameras to measure Cloud Level Wind Fields

Ground based stereo cameras are used to measure the three dimensional position of cloud features in space and time. By making sequential measurements, it is possible to derive cloud level vector wind fields at different locations and heights. Wind fields derived from stereo cameras are compared with independent observations and model simulations. Camera derived cloud base heights are compared with lidar observations. Initial efforts to assimilate observed wind fields into weather models are discussed.