First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX

The Eastern North Atlantic Ocean hosted the Second Marine Stratocumulus Intensive Field Observation from June 1 to June 28, 1992. This dataset from NASA's FIRE ASTEX experiment contains surface observations of temperature, humidity, wind, and solar/infrared irradiance collected using Campbell Scientific and Eppley instruments. The data were designed to improve cloud and radiation parameterizations in general circulation models.

Use Cases

• Validate general circulation model (GCM) cloud parameterizations based on coordinated surface and satellite observations.
• Study marine stratocumulus cloud life cycles and radiative properties based on the described intensive field observation.
• Analyze the interaction between surface meteorological conditions and irradiance based on temperature, humidity, wind, and solar/infrared measurements.
• Investigate relationships between ISCCP satellite data and higher-resolution surface cloud data as mentioned in the experiment goals.

Strengths

• Data collection employed coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations during four planned intensive field periods.
• Specific sensor models are documented, including Campbell Model 207 and R.M. Young and Eppley instruments.
• Last updated date is recorded as 2026 03 13 02:55:43.701748.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• File formats include BIN, TAR, and ISO, which may require specific tools for access.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Surface radiation and meteorological data collected using Campbell Scientific Inc. data loggers and specific sensor probes during an intensive field observation.

Time Range

Primary observation period for this dataset is June 1 to June 28, 1992.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:55:43.701748; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Eastern North Atlantic Ocean.