FIRE Cirrus Phase II: NCAR Kingair Aircraft 2D Cloud Probe Data

First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) Cirrus Phase II data from NCAR Kingair aircraft flights. The dataset contains processed concentration data from PMS 2D-C and 2D-P probes, which capture shadow images of cloud particles to determine size and habit type. Data is organized on a single flight basis and was collected by NASA to improve cloud and radiation parameterizations in general circulation models.

Use Cases

• Analyzing cloud particle size distributions based on processed concentration data from 2D probes.
• Investigating cloud habit type classifications mentioned in the description for microphysical modeling.
• Validating satellite-derived cloud data products based on the coordinated airborne observations described.
• Improving cloud parameterizations in climate models based on the high-resolution cloud data.

Strengths

• Data is organized on a single flight basis, providing a clear temporal structure for analysis.
• Includes processed concentration data based on specific cloud particle habit types and area ratios.
• Coordinated with satellite and surface observations during four intensive field-observation periods.

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 raw binary formats (BIN, TAR, ISO), which may require specialized tools to process.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Airborne observations from NCAR Kingair aircraft using PMS 2D-C and 2D-P cloud probes.

Time Range

Data collected during specific intensive field-observation periods, including a cirrus IFO from November 13 - December 7, 1991.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:46:00.601839; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Observations from a second cirrus IFO in southeastern Kansas and other planned field missions.