FIRE ASTEX: Atmospheric Cloud and Radiation Data from Field Experiments

Four intensive field-observation periods were conducted between 1986 and 1992 to study cloud systems. The dataset from the First ISCCP Regional Experiments (FIRE) was created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to improve cloud and radiation models. It combines coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations with modeling studies.

Use Cases

• Improving cloud life cycle parameterizations in GCMs based on coordinated field observations.
• Investigating relationships between satellite data and higher-resolution cloud data as described in the experiment goals.
• Studying the interaction of physical processes in marine stratocumulus systems using data from the Atlantic and Pacific field campaigns.

Strengths

• Data originates from four coordinated intensive field-observation periods planned and executed by NASA.
• Combines multiple observation methods: satellite, airborne, and surface data with modeling studies.
• Designed with specific goals to improve data products and parameterizations used in general circulation models.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data files include formats like BIN, TAR, and ISO which may require specialized tools to process.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations combined with modeling studies from field experiments.

Time Range

Field campaigns conducted between 1986 and 1992.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:47:29.004802; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Southwestern coast of California, southeastern Kansas, and the eastern North Atlantic Ocean.