What does VAD stand for in meteorology?

In meteorology, VAD stands for Velocity Azimuth Display. This term refers to a method used in radar meteorology to analyze wind velocity data across different azimuth angles. The VAD technique utilizes the radial velocity data obtained from a single radar site to derive the horizontal wind profile in the atmosphere. By rotating the radar and measuring the change in the Doppler shift of returned signals from precipitation particles, meteorologists can infer wind speeds and directions at various elevations.

This technique is particularly valuable for understanding atmospheric dynamics, such as the detection of boundaries like fronts and preceding severe weather systems. It allows meteorologists to visualize and analyze wind patterns over a wide area, contributing to better forecasting and weather monitoring. Other options presented do not align with established meteorological terminology or do not have relevance to radar wind profiling.