FIRE ASTEX: ERS-1 Microwave Radiometer Data for Atlantic Cloud Studies

Four intensive field observation periods between 1986 and 1992 form the core of this dataset, designed to improve cloud and radiation models. NASA collected this data using the ERS-1 satellite's microwave radiometer during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment. The dataset aims to link high-resolution cloud data with global climate model parameterizations.

Use Cases

• Validate satellite-derived cloud properties based on coordinated airborne and surface observations mentioned in the description
• Study marine stratocumulus cloud life cycles based on the experiment's stated goals
• Improve radiative property parameterizations in climate models based on the FIRE program objectives
• Investigate cloud system physical processes in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean based on the 1992 field observation period

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated NASA field experiment with four defined observation periods.
• Designed specifically to bridge satellite data with higher-resolution cloud observations for model improvement.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to the specific 1986-1992 observation windows.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Coordinated satellite (ERS-1), airborne, and surface observations collected during intensive field experiments.

Time Range

Observation periods from 1986 to 1992, including specific campaigns in 1986, 1987, 1991, and 1992.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:48:13.862416; freshness should be verified

Geography

Marine stratocumulus studies off the southwestern coast of California and in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean.