Colorado State University collected this dataset using a tethered balloon platform during the 1987 First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) Marine Stratocumulus Intensive Field Observation. The data provides cloud property measurements over the eastern Pacific Ocean, specifically from San Nicolas Island off the southwestern coast of California. It was interpolated to a five-second interval to align with cloud microphysics data.
Use Cases
- Analyze time-series correlations between cloud microphysics data and other atmospheric variables measured by the balloon.
- Validate satellite-derived cloud property estimates using high-resolution, in-situ balloon measurements from San Nicolas Island.
- Study the temporal evolution of marine stratocumulus cloud systems using the five-second interval data points.
- Investigate physical processes in cloud life cycles for improving general circulation model (GCM) parameterizations.
Strengths
- Data was collected during a coordinated, intensive field observation period combining satellite, airborne, and surface measurements.
- Measurements have been interpolated to a consistent five-second time interval for alignment with other datasets.
Limitations
- Dataset is temporally limited to the specific field campaign from June 29 to July 20, 1987.
- Geographic scope is restricted to measurements taken from San Nicolas Island in the eastern Pacific.
Provenance
- Source
- Colorado State University, collected for the First ISCCP Regional Experiments (FIRE).
- Collection Method
- Measurements gathered from a tethered balloon platform flown during the Marine Stratocumulus IFO.
- Time Range
- 1987-06 29 to 1987-07-20
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- San Nicolas Island, off the southwestern coast of California, eastern Pacific Ocean.