FIRE-II Cirrus Wind Profiles from Doppler Lidar

This dataset contains Doppler lidar-derived vertical wind profiles collected during the FIRE-II cirrus cloud experiment in Kansas. It focuses on five priority days in November and December 1991, providing measurements from approximately 1.5 to 20.0 km above ground level. The data was produced by the NASA Langley Research Center Atmospheric Science Data Center to study cloud microphysics and radiative properties.

Use Cases

• Validating wind dynamics parameterizations in General Circulation Models (GCMs) using measured vertical profiles of horizontal wind speed and direction.
• Studying the relationship between cirrus cloud life cycles and atmospheric dynamics using synchronized lidar backscatter and wind data.
• Analyzing the vertical structure of winds in the upper atmosphere during specific cirrus cloud events in November and December 1991.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated, multi-platform field campaign (FIRE-II) combining satellite, airborne, and surface observations.
• Profiles cover a specific, scientifically significant altitude range for cirrus studies (approx. 1.5 - 20.0 km above ground level).
• Focuses on five high-priority days selected for detailed analysis during the 1991 cirrus intensive field observation.

Limitations

• The exact number of rows, file size, and specific column names are unknown across all sources.
• Sources conflict on the license (other-license-specified vs. None) and the last updated date (2026 vs. 1991).
• Temporal coverage is limited to a short period (five days in late 1991) from a single field campaign phase.

Provenance

Source

NASA Langley Research Center Atmospheric Science Data Center (LARC_ASDC)

Collection Method

Derived from Doppler lidar measurements using the Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD) technique during the FIRE-II field campaign.

Time Range

November 21, 25, 28, 30 and December 5, 1991.

Freshness

1991-12-07 23:59:59.999000

Geography

Southeastern Kansas, USA, during the FIRE-II Cirrus Intensive Field Observation.