First results from the generation and assimilation of 10-minute atmospheric motion vectors in the Australian region

Ten-minute interval infrared and visible satellite images, available from MTSAR-1R (Himawari-6) for a limited period over and around Australia, have been used to generate atmospheric motion vectors. These vectors—which were available every 10 minutes—have been quality controlled, error characterised and assimilated into the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's next generation operational regional forecast model as part of the new operational database. Results from this study indicate that this high temporal resolution imagery has the ability to produce high spatial and temporal density atmospheric motion vectors, and the quality of these vectors is such that they have the potential to improve numerical analysis and prognosis. In late 2013 and early 2014 the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) provided several months of MTSat-1R rapid scan imagery in support of the 2014 High Altitude Ice Crystal (HAIC) – High Ice Water Content (HIWC) field campaign in the Darwin area. This 10-minute imagery was also provided in support of activities in preparation for Himawari-8. The imagery was renavigated, calibrated and used to generate atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) over much of the Australian region including the HAIC-HIWC test area. Each vector was error characterised and assigned an expected error. In preparation for the operational assimilation of 10-minute data from the full disk footprint of Himawari-8, these high temporal and spatial resolution data generated over the Australian region test area were combined with the operational database—including high spatial but lower temporal density local Bureau and also JMA AMV data from MTSat-2—to provide forecasts using the next generation operational regional forecast model ACCESS APS2. This model will be used during the introduction of operational Himawari-8 data. First results from these tests indicate the 10-minute data have the potential to produce high density, high quality AMVs which will improve model initialisation and forecasts. This includes cases associated with extreme weather. The results have also provided indications of appropriate timing, data selection and application methods for the effective use of these high temporal resolution data. The quality and density of the 10-minute MTSat-1R data have also been compared to that available from imagery using a new processing paradigm which is to be used in future for the operational Himawari-8 AMV generation.