FIRE Cirrus Experiment High-Frequency Aircraft Atmospheric Data

Aircraft measurements from the First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) Cirrus Phase II field campaign. Data was collected by a University of North Dakota Cessna Citation II research aircraft during an intensive observation period from November 13 to December 7, 1991. The dataset captures high-frequency (1 Hz) in-situ atmospheric and cloud microphysical properties.

Use Cases

• Analyze relationships between cloud microphysics from PMS probes and derived turbulence intensity from pressure transducers.
• Validate satellite cloud retrievals using coordinated in-situ measurements of temperature, dew point, and three-dimensional wind fields.
• Study cirrus cloud formation processes by correlating aerosol data from condensation nuclei counters with FSSP probe cloud droplet measurements.
• Calibrate general circulation model parameterizations using time-synchronized data on aircraft position, altitude, and radiative properties from side-mounted radiometers.

Strengths

• Data sampled at 1 Hertz frequency, providing high temporal resolution for atmospheric processes.
• Coordinated measurements from multiple instruments including PMS probes, replicators, gas monitors, and inertial navigation systems.
• Covers a defined intensive field observation period of approximately 25 days in late 1991.

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited to a single field campaign in 1991, lacking long-term continuity.
• Spatial coverage is restricted to flight paths over southeastern Kansas during the campaign.
• Specific row counts, file sizes, and data completeness metrics are unknown.

Provenance

Source

NASA Langley Atmospheric Science Data Center (LARC_ASDC), from the University of North Dakota research aircraft operations.

Collection Method

In-situ measurements collected by instrumented Cessna Citation II aircraft (N77ND) during coordinated field missions.

Time Range

1991-11 13 to 1991-12-07

Freshness

null

Geography

Southeastern Kansas, United States, during the second Cirrus Intensive Field Observation (IFO).