FIRE Cirrus Phase II: Aircraft Microphysical Data from 1991 Field Campaign

Microphysical measurements of cirrus clouds collected by a modified Cessna Citation II aircraft during the 1991 FIRE Cirrus II field experiment. The dataset includes parameters like particle diameter, growth rates, ambient temperature, pressure, and vertical velocity, captured by PMS 2D-C and 2D-P probes. Data was gathered by the University of North Dakota for NASA to improve cloud parameterizations in general circulation models.

Use Cases

• Validate and improve cloud microphysics parameterizations in General Circulation Models (GCMs) based on in-situ particle size and growth rate data.
• Study the life cycle and radiative properties of cirrus clouds based on coordinated airborne measurements.
• Analyze relationships between cloud physical processes and satellite-derived data products based on the FIRE experiment design.
• Investigate particle diffusional growth and depletion times in cirrus clouds based on the W1-W4 and DT variables.

Strengths

• Data originates from a dedicated, structurally modified research aircraft (Cessna Citation II N77ND) with specialized probes.
• Part of a coordinated multi-platform field experiment (FIRE) combining satellite, airborne, and surface observations.
• Includes specific derived microphysical parameters like median particle mass-weighted diameter (DBARM) and total diffusional growth rate (WTOT).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data files are in legacy formats (BIN, TAR, ISO), which may require specialized tools or conversion.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Airborne measurements collected by University of North Dakota Citation aircraft using PMS 2D-C and 2D-P probes.

Time Range

Primary collection during the second Cirrus Intensive Field Observation (IFO), November 13-December 7, 1991.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:45:06.488903; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Southeastern Kansas, United States, during the Cirrus IFO-II.