FIRE SPECTRE: High-Resolution Atmospheric Emission Spectra from Kansas, 1991

The First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) Cirrus Phase II SPECTRE/SIRIS dataset contains high spectral resolution atmospheric emission observations. Data were collected by a modified Fourier transform spectrometer at Coffeyville, Kansas, during November and December 1991. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) produced this data to improve cloud and radiation parameterizations in climate models.

Use Cases

• Validate and improve cloud radiative property parameterizations in climate models based on high-resolution emission spectra.
• Study the interaction of physical processes in cirrus cloud life cycles using coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations.
• Analyze atmospheric temperature and water vapor profiles under clear-sky conditions using spectral radiance data.
• Investigate signal-to-noise characteristics in infrared emission measurements using data recorded with different bandpass filters.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated NASA field experiment designed for model validation.
• High spectral resolution of 0.06 cm-1 (apodized) was achieved for emission-mode observations.
• Observations were conducted under a variety of temperature and water vapor conditions as part of the experimental goal.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data are limited by photon noise from the instrument and atmosphere, as noted in the description.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Collected by the SIRIS instrument, a modified Bomem Fourier transform spectrometer, during a ground-based campaign.

Time Range

November - December 1991

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:51:03.334722; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Coffeyville, Kansas, USA