VAMP - Vertical Aeolus Measurement Positioning - Executive summary

The mission objective of ADM-Aeolus is to provide global observations of wind profiles with a vertical and horizontal resolution and coverage satisfying requirements of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) [R1]. Accurate wind profile measurements over regions that are sparsely sampled today will help eliminating a major deficiency in the Global Observing System (GOS). The Aeolus mission will demonstrate the impact of these data on operational weather forecasting and on climate research [R2]. Aeolus is a prototype for future operational wind satellites.

The objective of the ADM-Aeolus study Vertical Aeolus Measurement Positioning (VAMP) is to consider the atmospheric dynamical and optical characteristics and their interaction with the ADM-Aeolus measurement system in order to optimize the user benefit of the Aeolus Doppler Wind Lidar (DWL) system. We conclude here with a recommendation for the operation of the instrument spatial and temporal sampling, providing maximum mission benefit.