GOES-R PLT Cloud Physics Lidar Atmospheric Profile Data

NASA's GOES-R PLT Cloud Physics Lidar dataset contains multi-wavelength lidar measurements of cirrus clouds and aerosols collected from the ER-2 high-altitude aircraft. The data, gathered from April 13 to May 14, 2017, was used for post-launch validation of the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager and Geostationary Lightning Mapper instruments. It includes parameters like backscatter coefficient, depolarization ratio, layer heights, and ice water content.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived cloud optical depth and layer height products from GOES-R ABI using lidar-measured optical depth and layer top/base height.
• Analyzing cirrus cloud particle phase and shape using the lidar depolarization ratio and layer type classifications.
• Studying vertical profiles of aerosol and cloud extinction using the particulate extinction coefficient and backscatter coefficient data.
• Estimating ice water content within cloud layers for cloud microphysical model evaluation.
• Correlating high-resolution airborne lidar observations with co-located geostationary satellite imagery for spatial scaling studies.

Strengths

• Provides high temporal and spatial resolution multi-wavelength lidar profiles from a dedicated NASA field campaign.
• Includes seven key atmospheric variables (e.g., backscatter, depolarization, ice water content) for detailed cloud and aerosol analysis.
• Data collection spans a focused one-month period (April 13 - May 14, 2017) for consistent validation of GOES-R instruments.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and total data volume are not provided across any source.
• Data is confined to a specific one-month campaign in 2017, limiting temporal applicability.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Data collected by the Cloud Physics Lidar instrument aboard the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft during the GOES-R Post Launch Test field campaign.

Time Range

2017-04-13 to 2017-05-14

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:02:05.016397

Geography

Coverage area of the GOES-R PLT airborne campaign flights, specific regions not detailed.