FIRE Cirrus Phase II Colorado State University Rawinsonde Data

Colorado State University rawinsonde data supports the First ISCCP Regional Experiments (FIRE) Phase II Cirrus field campaign. This dataset contains atmospheric profiles from a Kansas power plant site, collected between November 13 and December 7, 1991, to study cirrus cloud life cycles and properties. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration provides this data to improve cloud and radiation parameterizations in climate models.

Use Cases

• Validating and improving cloud process parameterizations in General Circulation Models (GCMs) using atmospheric temperature, pressure, and humidity profiles.
• Analyzing the vertical structure of the atmosphere during cirrus cloud life cycles with geopotential height and water vapor indicator columns.
• Studying the interaction of physical processes in cirrus systems by correlating sonde data with coordinated satellite and airborne observations from the FIRE campaign.
• Calculating approximate sonde location for trajectory analysis using the provided latitude (37°18'N) and longitude (95°07'W).

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated, multi-platform field experiment (FIRE) designed for model validation, combining satellite, airborne, and surface observations.
• Provides high vertical resolution atmospheric profiles, with measurements typically taken every 5-10 meters.
• Covers a focused, intensive field observation period from November 13 to December 7, 1991, for detailed process studies.

Limitations

• Row count, total size, and a complete column list are not provided by any source, limiting precise assessment of dataset scope.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date: Data.gov lists 2026-03-13, while NASA Earthdata lists 1991-12 06, creating uncertainty about metadata maintenance.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Data collected via rawinsonde (weather balloon) at the Parsons KG&E Power Plant in Coffeyville, Kansas, during the FIRE Phase II Cirrus field experiment.

Time Range

1991-11-13 to 1991-12-07

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:52:32.398578

Geography

Point location at 37°18'N, 95°07'W in Coffeyville, Kansas, USA.