The BMRC Australian Monsoon Experiment is part of a concerted tropical research program aimed at improving our understanding of the physics and dynamics of tropical weather systems. It is based on the collection of high-density tropical upper-air soundings and radar data during two observational phases in October 1986 and January/February 1987. The objectives, background, and rationale for this program are described together with an overview of the design and timetable of the observing component.
1 Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre, PO Box 1289K, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.
2 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
3 Scientific and Technical Services Branch, Bureau of Meteorology, PO Box 1289K, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.
