GCPEx Satellite Overpass Images for Cold-Season Snowfall Validation

GPM Ground Validation CARE Satellite Overpass GCPEx Images consist of satellite overpass imagery collected during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) in Ontario, Canada, from January 15 to February 28, 2012. The dataset was created by the GHRC DAAC to address limitations in the GPM snowfall retrieval algorithm by providing coordinated satellite tracks from DMSP satellites 15-19. It includes a list of starting overpass times per satellite and day.

Use Cases

• Validating GPM satellite snowfall retrieval algorithms using coordinated ground-based and satellite observations.
• Analyzing the spatial and temporal patterns of cold-season precipitation via DMSP satellite overpass tracks.
• Correlating satellite imagery with in-situ microphysical property data collected during the GCPEx field campaign.
• Studying the spectral characteristics of precipitating snow from synchronized satellite overpass times.

Strengths

• Provides coordinated satellite overpass data from five DMSP satellites (15-19) for a focused field campaign.
• Covers a specific 45-day winter field experiment (GCPEx) designed to improve snowfall measurement.
• Includes a detailed list of starting overpass times per satellite and day for precise temporal analysis.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are unknown across all sources.
• Conflicting license information: one source specifies 'other-license-specified', another lists 'None'.
• Conflicting last update dates: one source shows 2026-03-13, another shows 2012-02-28.

Provenance

Source

GHRC_DAAC

Collection Method

Collected during the coordinated GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) field campaign.

Time Range

January 15, 2012 through February 28, 2012

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:06:21.555414

Geography

Ontario, Canada