Cirrus Cloud Microphysical Measurements from Citation Aircraft

Microphysical measurements were collected by University of North Dakota Citation aircraft PMS 2D-C and 2D-P probes during the FIRE Cirrus IFO-II field campaign. The dataset includes parameters like static pressure, ambient temperature, particle diameters, and diffusional growth rates. Data originates from the second cirrus intensive field observation period conducted from November 13 to December 7, 1991.

Use Cases

• Analyze relationships between ambient temperature (TEMP) and median particle mass weighted diameter (DBARM) to study ice crystal growth.
• Validate cloud parameterizations in GCMs using in-situ measurements of static pressure (PS), vertical velocity (USTAR), and particle size distributions.
• Model diffusional growth processes in cirrus clouds using channel-specific growth rates (W1, W2, W3, W4) and total growth rate (WTOT).
• Investigate depletion times for different droplet sizes (DT8, DT12) relative to atmospheric conditions like pressure altitude (ALT).

Strengths

• Data collected during a coordinated intensive field observation (IFO) combining satellite, airborne, and surface observations.
• Measurements taken from a specially modified research aircraft (Cessna Citation II) with probes in undisturbed airflow.
• Includes multiple specific microphysical parameters such as particle diameters (DMAX, DBARM) and growth rates across four channels.

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited to a single field campaign period of approximately 25 days in late 1991.
• Geographic coverage is restricted to the specific flight area during the IFO in southeastern Kansas.
• The raw description is truncated, suggesting the full parameter list and data completeness may be unknown.

Provenance

Source

LARC_ASDC (NASA Langley Research Center Atmospheric Science Data Center).

Collection Method

In-situ measurements from PMS 2D-C and 2D-P probes mounted on a University of North Dakota Cessna Citation II research aircraft.

Time Range

1991-11-13 to 1991-12-07

Geography

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