FIRE II Cirrus Cloud Microphysical Data from NCAR Kingair Aircraft

November 13 to December 7, 1991 data from the second cirrus intensive field observation in southeastern Kansas. The dataset contains microphysical parameters derived from 2D probe measurements collected by the NCAR Kingair aircraft during the FIRE II campaign. It was designed to improve cloud and radiation parameterizations for general circulation models.

Use Cases

• Analyze particle size spectra derived from 2D-C probe data across 32 size categories to study cloud particle distributions.
• Validate general circulation model cloud parameterizations using measured microphysical parameters like ice water content and precipitation rate.
• Investigate the relationship between particle area ratio bins and cloud radiative properties for climate modeling.
• Study differential growth rates of particle populations at specific relative humidity levels to understand cloud microphysical processes.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated intensive field observation combining satellite, airborne, and surface measurements.
• Microphysical parameters are derived using established methodologies from Heymsfield and Baumgardner (1985).
• Particles are classified with high resolution into 32 size categories and 10 area ratio bins.

Limitations

• The dataset covers a single, short observation period of approximately 25 days in late 1991.
• Geographic coverage is limited to a specific region (southeast Kansas) during the cirrus IFO.
• Specific row counts, column names, and data completeness details are unknown.

Provenance

Source

LARC_ASDC via NASA EarthData.

Collection Method

Derived from 2D probe data collected by NCAR Kingair aircraft during the FIRE II campaign.

Time Range

1991-11-13 to 1991-12-07

Geography

Southeastern Kansas, USA