GCPEx Ground Validation Dataset with Multi-Frequency Microwave Radiometer Data

Ontario, Canada hosts this dataset from the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx), collected from January 14 to February 29, 2012. It contains measurements from the ADMIRARI scanning radiometer, which records brightness temperature at three frequencies and two polarizations, alongside co-located radar reflectivity profiles and cloud lidar data. The dataset was produced by NASA for validating satellite precipitation retrievals.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-based liquid water path and integrated water vapor retrievals using ground-measured brightness temperatures at 10.7, 21.0, and 36.5 GHz.
• Analyzing relationships between microwave radiometer data and vertical cloud structure using co-located Micro Rain Radar reflectivity profiles.
• Studying winter precipitation microphysics by combining radiometer-derived water content with lidar-measured cloud base altitude.
• Developing rain identification algorithms using multi-frequency, dual-polarization passive microwave measurements.

Strengths

• Includes multi-instrument, co-located measurements from a scanning radiometer, a Micro Rain Radar, and a cloud lidar, providing a multi-sensor view.
• Data was collected during a dedicated NASA field campaign (GCPEx) over a defined 47-day period in winter conditions.
• Provides specific microwave frequencies (10.7, 21.0, 36.5 GHz) and polarizations (H & V) used for retrievals.

Limitations

• Key factual details like row count, file size, and specific column names are not provided on any platform.
• There is a conflict in the 'last updated' metadata: Data.gov lists 2026-03-13, while NASA Earthdata lists 2012-02-29.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected by the ADMIRARI scanning radiometer and its auxiliary instruments (Micro Rain Radar, cloud lidar) during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx).

Time Range

January 14, 2012 through February 29, 2012

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:26:59.135158

Geography

Ontario, Canada