FIRE Cirrus Phase II: University of Utah Polarization Diversity LIDAR Cloud Data

Lidar returned signal data from the First ISCCP Regional Experiment, designed to improve cloud and radiation models. The data includes background-subtracted raw signals with a minimum value of 0, a maximum value of 25600, and a scaling factor of 100. Four intensive field-observation periods were conducted between 1986 and 1992, combining satellite, airborne, and surface observations.

Use Cases

• Validate and improve general circulation model (GCM) cloud parameterizations based on high-resolution lidar observations.
• Study the life cycles and radiative properties of cirrus clouds based on coordinated field campaign data.
• Investigate cloud physical processes using polarization diversity lidar techniques described in the referenced paper.

Strengths

• Data is tied to a specific, documented scientific mission (FIRE) with four intensive field periods.
• Raw lidar signal values have defined minimum (0), maximum (25600), and scaling factor (100) parameters.
• Methodology is described in a peer-reviewed publication (Sassen, 1994, Proc. IEEE).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data formats include BIN, TAR, and ISO, which may require specialized tools for access.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations combined with modeling studies from field campaigns.

Time Range

Field campaigns conducted in 1986, 1987, 1991, and 1992.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:51:36.311773; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Observations from locations including southeastern Kansas and the eastern North Atlantic Ocean.