Atlantic Stratocumulus Microwave Radiometer Data from FIRE ASTEX

Four intensive field observation periods from 1986 to 1992 collected coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface data to study cloud life cycles and radiative properties. The data originates from the FIRE ASTEX mission in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean during June 1992. It was produced by the LARC_ASDC organization for the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project.

Use Cases

• Analyze microwave brightness temperatures from the ERS-1 radiometer to infer cloud liquid water path over the Atlantic Ocean.
• Validate satellite-derived cloud properties against coordinated airborne and surface observations from the 1992 ASTEX mission.
• Investigate the temporal evolution of marine stratocumulus cloud systems using time-series data from the June 1992 field campaign.
• Study the spatial distribution of cloud radiative properties using geolocated data points from the ERS-1 satellite overpasses.

Strengths

• Data from four coordinated intensive field observation periods spanning 1986 to 1992.
• Combines satellite (ERS-1), airborne, and surface observations for multi-platform validation.
• Specifically targets marine stratocumulus clouds, a critical climate component.

Limitations

• Data is temporally stale, with the last update recorded in July 1992.
• The specific row count, column names, and data volume are unknown.
• Geographic coverage is limited to specific campaign regions like the eastern North Atlantic.

Provenance

Source

LARC_ASDC (NASA Langley Research Center Atmospheric Science Data Center).

Collection Method

Collected via coordinated satellite (ERS-1), airborne, and surface observations during planned intensive field campaigns.

Time Range

Campaign periods from 1986 to 1992, with the ASTEX mission in June 1992.

Freshness

1992-07-01

Geography

Eastern North Atlantic Ocean (ASTEX), southwestern coast of California, southeastern Kansas.