It is the first of its kind for use in airport weather alerts in the world, enhancing the Observatory's capability in detecting windshear and turbulence in fine weather, said Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Lam Hung-kwan Tuesday at a press briefing.

"Before the implementation of the LIDAR, the Observatory has been using mainly a terminal Doppler weather radar at Tai Lam Chung to detect windshear around the airport. The LIDAR will complement the terminal Doppler weather radar. They, in combination, will enable more comprehensive detection of windshear in all weather conditions," Lam said.

A LIDAR gives out infrared light and receives the reflection from dust particles and aerosols in fine weather. This enables the determination of wind distribution.

Located near the center of the airport, the LIDAR provides wind information for both the ascending and descending flight paths of both runways.

Aviation forecasters make use of these data round the clock and issue alerts of windshear and turbulence as necessary.

The LIDAR is now on operational trial. The Observatory will collect data for analysis and develop application software with a view to optimizing the function of the system. It is expected that the LIDAR would be put into full operation in 2005.

（eastday.com November 13, 2002）