FIRE ETO: University of Utah Polarization Diversity LIDAR Cloud Observations

LIDAR signal data from the First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) designed to improve cloud and radiation models. The dataset contains raw, background-subtracted signals from four intensive field observation periods between 1986 and 1992, focusing on cirrus and marine stratocumulus clouds. Data was collected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration using coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations.

Use Cases

• Validate and improve cloud life cycle models based on coordinated satellite, airborne, and surface observations.
• Study the radiative properties of cirrus and marine stratocumulus clouds during their life cycles.
• Investigate relationships between ISCCP data, GCM parameterizations, and higher-resolution cloud data.
• Analyze polarization diversity LIDAR signals for cloud remote sensing applications.

Strengths

• Data from four coordinated intensive field observation periods spanning 1986 to 1992.
• Includes raw LIDAR signals with a defined scaling factor of 100 and a value range from 0 to 25600.
• Collection methodology is documented in a referenced peer-reviewed publication (Sassen, 1994).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data format includes legacy types like BIN, TAR, and ISO which may require specific tools to process.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Field observations from 1986 to 1992.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:45:44.019807; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Southwestern coast of California, southeastern Kansas, and eastern North Atlantic Ocean.