Aircraft Flux Measurements from FIFE-1987 and 1989 Campaigns

NCAR King Air aircraft collected detailed atmospheric measurements during the FIFE-1987 and FIFE-1989 field campaigns. The dataset includes vertical and horizontal wind gusts, humidity, potential temperature, and radiation parameters to study the daytime convective boundary layer. Data was gathered by the ORNL_CLOUD organization, with the most recent metadata update recorded in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical and horizontal wind gusts to model turbulence dissipation rates.
• Estimating sensible heat, moisture, and momentum fluxes from fast-response temperature and humidity measurements.
• Studying the relationship between surface properties and boundary layer structure using radiation parameters like global shortwave and longwave.
• Mapping geographical position and altitude trends to correlate atmospheric conditions with location.

Strengths

• The dataset is noted for excellent overall quality with very little loss of data.
• Fluxes were estimated using three methods: raw, detrended, and high-pass filtered data from extensive analysis.
• Measurements include multiple radiation parameters (e.g., global short/longwave, upwelling, downwelling) and precise altitude data from radar and pressure sensors.

Limitations

• A conflict exists on the last updated date: one source states 1989-10-31, while another states 2026-03-13.
• Vertical wind sampling was at 5 Hz instead of the customary 10 Hz, which could compromise estimates of turbulence dissipation.
• Radar altitude measurement was only valid below about 930 meters, limiting accuracy at higher altitudes.

Provenance

Source

ORNL_CLOUD

Collection Method

Airborne measurements from the NCAR King Air aircraft during coordinated field campaigns, using an inertial navigation system, radar, pressure sensors, and radiation instruments.

Time Range

1987 to 1989

Freshness

2026-03-13 18:36:10.425661

Geography

FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) study area.