FIRE ASTEX: Satellite Cloud Data for Marine Stratocumulus Studies

Four intensive field-observation periods between 1986 and 1992 form the core of this dataset, designed to improve cloud and radiation models. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration produced this subset of the ISCCP Stage DX Cloud Product for the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment region. Data combines satellite, airborne, and surface observations to investigate cloud properties and physical processes.

Use Cases

• Validate and improve cloud life cycle parameterizations in climate models based on coordinated satellite and field observations.
• Study the interaction of physical processes in marine stratocumulus systems based on the described field experiments.
• Investigate relationships between different resolution cloud data products based on the ISCCP data mentioned.
• Analyze radiative properties of cirrus and stratocumulus clouds during their life cycles as described in the experiment goals.

Strengths

• Data originates from four coordinated intensive field-observation periods conducted by NASA.
• Combines multiple observation sources: satellite, airborne, and surface data.
• Focuses on two specific cloud systems: cirrus and marine stratocumulus.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data collection periods ended in 1992; freshness should be verified for contemporary applications.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Combined coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies.

Time Range

Field observations from 1986, 1987, 1991, and 1992.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:55:18.452552; freshness should be verified

Geography

Includes regions off the southwestern coast of California, southeastern Kansas, and the eastern North Atlantic Ocean.