FIRE ASTEX: Aircraft Cloud Microphysics Data from the Atlantic Ocean, June 1992

The Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment (ASTEX) involved intensive airborne measurements from 1-28 June 1992 in the area of the Azores and Madeira Islands. Data were collected by the University of Washington's C-131A aircraft to study the transition from stratocumulus to trade cumulus clouds, including measurements from a Johnson-Williams hot-wire probe and a Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe. The dataset is part of the First ISCCP Regional Experiments (FIRE) program, designed to improve cloud and radiation parameterizations used in general circulation models.

Use Cases

• Validate and improve cloud microphysics parameterizations in climate models based on in-situ liquid water content measurements.
• Study cloud-top entrainment instability and diurnal decoupling processes based on detailed atmospheric profiles.
• Analyze the transition from stratocumulus to trade cumulus clouds based on coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations.
• Investigate the impact of mesoscale variability and patchy drizzle on cloud properties based on high-resolution aircraft data.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated, multi-platform field experiment (ASTEX) with a defined scientific mission from June 1-28, 1992.
• Includes specific instrument data such as from the Johnson-Williams hot-wire probe and Forward Scattering Spectrometer Probe.
• Part of the structured FIRE program, which executed four intensive field observation periods between 1986 and 1992.

Limitations

• The data provider notes the University of Washington Convair data are 'best considered raw' and should be validated against other platforms for high accuracy.
• A significant drift in the output of the Johnson-Williams probe is noted and should be accounted for.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics and data structure must be inferred after download.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

In-situ measurements collected by the University of Washington C-131A aircraft during the ASTEX field campaign.

Time Range

Primary data collection from 1-28 June 1992.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 13 02:46:37.401329; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Eastern North Atlantic Ocean, specifically the area of the Azores and Madeira Islands.