Experimental VIIRS AMV Products: Expanding Beyond the use of a Single Satellite
In current Atmospheric Motion Vector (AMV) operations the VIIRS IR channel data is utilized from only a single satellite. However, this limits the impact that the VIIRS winds can have on model forecasts. To maximize the usefulness of VIIRS winds at improving weather forecasts, both NOAA-20 and S-NPP will be utilized in tandem to develop IR AMVs that have increased spatial coverage as both satellites follow similar orbital paths. Furthermore, this cuts in half (50.5 versus 101 minutes) the time to track targets, hypothetically leading to an improved wind product. Validation results compared to rawinsondes will show this. Moreover, a model impact study will be shown that confirms this hypothesis. The focus of this presentation will be the use of a triplet of VIIRS orbits over the polar regions, where coverage does not change as much between successive overpasses. To expand coverage more equatorward, where a triplet of orbits cannot be used, a test period of tandem VIIRS IR AMVs were created using a novel method of Quality Control (QC) that expands coverage into mid- and low-latitudes with the use of only two overpasses (duplet). Initial results from this test period will be shown.
In addition, two additional products will be discussed that expand the usage of VIIRS AMVs beyond the IR channel: The Short-Wave IR (SWIR) and Day-Night-Band (DNB). Examples will be presented with initial validation results compared to rawinsondes.
In summary, it is vital to maximize the VIIRS data for AMV production beyond single satellite and one channel. To maximize the impact VIIRS winds, we need to be innovative. This includes using multiple satellites that use the same instrument (VIIRS) and follow a similar orbit and utilizing more channels that can offset limitations in the VIIRS IR wind product.
