AMPR Brightness Temperature Data from TEFLUN-A Field Mission

Four microwave frequencies (10.7, 19.35, 37.1, and 85.5 GHz) were recorded by the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer during the TEFLUN-A mission. This NASA dataset provides brightness temperature measurements for validating TRMM satellite precipitation estimates over subtropical land and ocean regions in Florida and Texas. Data collection occurred from 15 April 1998 through 04 May 1998.

Use Cases

• Validating Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite precipitation estimates using ground-based microwave brightness temperatures.
• Analyzing convective storm properties over land and ocean by comparing multi-frequency (10.7, 19.35, 37.1, 85.5 GHz) radiometer data.
• Correlating brightness temperature measurements with concurrent ground observations from research radar, lightning, radiosonde, and raingage sites.
• Studying the microwave signature of precipitation and cloud systems during the defined three-week field campaign period.

Strengths

• Data was collected during a dedicated TRMM ground validation mission, ensuring relevance for satellite algorithm calibration.
• Measurements span four distinct microwave frequencies, providing spectral information for precipitation analysis.
• Collection occurred within range of coordinated, research-quality ground instrumentation (radar, lightning, radiosonde, raingage).
• The dataset has a cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA Earthdata, indicating recognized importance.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and file sizes are not provided by any source, limiting assessment of data structure and volume.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with Data.gov showing a future date (2026-03-13) and NASA Earthdata showing a historical one (1998-05-05).
• The license is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' on Data.gov, with no details provided.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Airborne deployment of the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR) instrument during underflight missions.

Time Range

1998-04-15 to 1998-05-04

Freshness

2026-03-13 15:37:18.565873

Geography

Subtropical land and ocean regions in Florida and Texas, USA.