GPM Ground Validation D3R Radar Data for GCPEx Campaign

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement project funded the D3R radar, a dual-frequency, dual-polarized Doppler instrument operating at Ku and Ka bands. This dataset contains radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity measurements from the GCPEx field campaign, stored primarily in netCDF format with supporting PNG browse images. The radar system was developed by a government-industry-academic consortium.

Use Cases

• Analyzing dual-frequency reflectivity ratios (Ku and Ka band) to infer precipitation particle size distribution.
• Studying Doppler velocity columns to understand vertical wind profiles and hydrometeor fall speeds.
• Validating satellite-derived precipitation products from the GPM core observatory using ground-based radar measurements.
• Investigating polarimetric radar signatures for improved classification of rain, snow, and mixed-phase precipitation.

Strengths

• Data originates from a specialized, NASA-funded instrument (D3R) designed for ground validation of satellite precipitation measurements.
• Provides measurements at two frequencies (13.91 GHz and 35.56 GHz) and dual polarization, enabling advanced microphysical analysis.
• Includes browse images in PNG format for quick visual assessment of data quality and features.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and a complete column list are not provided across any platform.
• Conflicting last-update dates exist between sources: Data.gov lists 2026-03-13, while NASA Earthdata lists 2012-02 29.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Project.

Collection Method

Measurements collected by the ground-based D3R radar during the GCPEx (GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment) field campaign.

Time Range

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Freshness

2026-03-13 02:05:23.793518

Geography

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