GCPEx Dual-Polarized C-Band Radar Scans for Cold-Season Precipitation

Dual-polarized C-Band Doppler radar data captured during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) in Ontario, Canada. The dataset includes special Range Height Indicator and sector scans of parameters like reflectivity and temperature, alongside standard volume and Plan Position Indicator scans. Data was collected by NASA over a 49-day period from January 15 to March 3, 2012.

Use Cases

• Analyzing dual-polarization parameters like reflectivity to distinguish between rain, snow, and hail.
• Validating Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite observations using ground-based radar scans.
• Studying the 3D structure of winter storms using Range Height Indicator (RHI) and volume scan data.
• Investigating microphysical properties of precipitation through specially configured CARE-centric composite imagery.

Strengths

• Includes specialized scan types (RHI, sector scans) beyond standard operational radar data.
• Covers a focused 49-day field campaign (GCPEx) dedicated to cold-season precipitation.
• Contains dual-polarization parameters enabling detailed hydrometeor classification.
• Data is hosted on multiple authoritative platforms (Data.gov, NASA Earthdata), indicating established use.

Limitations

• Column names and exact row/file counts are not specified on any platform.
• License information is inconsistent: Data.gov lists 'other-license-specified' while NASA Earthdata shows null.
• Data freshness is conflicting: one platform shows a 2026 update date, while another indicates the data collection ended in 2012.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Measured by the King City C-Band Doppler radar (WKR) using the Interactive Radar Information System (IRIS).

Time Range

January 15, - March 3, 2012

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:25:26.926561

Geography

King City, Ontario, Canada (Centre for Atmospheric Research Experiments - CARE site)