FIRE Cirrus Cloud Particle Data from NCAR Kingair Aircraft

1986 to 1992 data from the First ISCCP Regional Experiments, designed to improve cloud and radiation models. It contains processed concentration data for cirrus cloud particles based on habit type and area ratio, collected by the NCAR Kingair aircraft using PMS 2D-C and 2D-P probes. The dataset was produced by the LARC_ASDC organization.

Use Cases

• Analyze particle size distributions from 2D probe shadow images to understand cirrus cloud microphysics.
• Correlate processed concentration data based on habit type with satellite observations for model validation.
• Study the temporal evolution of cloud properties during the 1986 and 1991 cirrus intensive field observation periods.
• Investigate area ratio data to assess particle shape and its impact on radiative transfer calculations.

Strengths

• Data spans two dedicated cirrus intensive field observation periods in 1986 and 1991.
• Includes processed concentration data categorized by particle habit type and area ratio.

Limitations

• Sample size and specific row count are unknown from the description.
• Data is temporally stale, with the last update recorded in December 1991.
• Geographic coverage is limited to specific field campaign locations (e.g., southeastern Kansas).

Provenance

Source

LARC_ASDC (NASA Langley Research Center Atmospheric Science Data Center).

Collection Method

Collected via airborne observations using PMS 2D-C and 2D-P optical array probes on the NCAR Kingair aircraft.

Time Range

1986-10-13 to 1992-06-28, covering specific intensive field observation periods.

Freshness

1991-12-06

Geography

Specific campaign locations including southeastern Kansas and the eastern North Atlantic Ocean.