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Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies / University of Wisconsin-Madison
CIMSS Tropical Cyclone Team
Atmospheric Motion Vectors (AMV) - Product Description

Atmospheric Vorticity
 
Background: Using the gridded atmospheric motion vector output u and v AMV components at the specified level, vorticity is computed using finite differencing of (dv/dx - du/dy), where u and v are the wind components and x and y are the horizontal grid spacing. Units are 10-6s-1.
 
Uses: Vorticity is a measure of curvature in atmospheric flow. A positive value indicates counter clockwise motion in the northern hemisphere and clockwise motion in the southern hemisphere. A positive vorticity environment is conducive to storm development.
 
For more AMV information, please visit the International Winds Working Group (IWWG) page.
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