Mean wind vector estimation using the velocity–azimuth display (VAD) method: an explicit algebraic solution

Abstract. This paper deals with the analysis of the sampling setup for Doppler profilers aiming at the determination of vertical profiles of the wind. An explicit solution for the retrieval of mean wind vectors under the assumption of local homogeneity is presented for the case of a symmetric velocity–azimuth display sampling, and a stability analysis is performed. Furthermore, the explicit solution allows a detailed investigation of the propagation of radial wind measurement errors on the retrieved wind vector.