FIRE ASTEX: Microwave Radiometer Data for Atlantic Stratocumulus Clouds

June 1-28, 1992 data from the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX), part of the First ISCCP Regional Experiments (FIRE). The dataset contains microwave radiometer measurements collected by NASA to study marine stratocumulus cloud systems and their radiative properties. It was designed to improve cloud and radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models.

Use Cases

• Validate satellite-derived cloud properties based on coordinated surface and airborne observations mentioned in the description
• Study the life cycle and physical processes of marine stratocumulus clouds based on the experiment's stated goals
• Improve general circulation model (GCM) parameterizations for cloud-radiation interactions based on the FIRE program objectives

Strengths

• Data is from a coordinated, intensive field-observation period combining satellite, airborne, and surface measurements.
• Dataset is part of a structured international program (FIRE/ISCCP) with clear scientific goals to improve climate models.
• Provided by the authoritative source NASA.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and data volume are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data files are in specialized formats (BIN, TAR, ISO) requiring specific tools for access.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Microwave radiometer measurements collected during the ASTEX intensive field-observation period.

Time Range

June 1-28, 1992

Freshness

Last updated 2026 03 13 02:54:26.215731; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Eastern North Atlantic Ocean