GPM Cold-Season Precipitation Experiment NEXRAD Radar Data

Radar observations from the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) collected between February 6 and March 12, 2012. The dataset contains Level 2 and Level 3 binary files from the KBOX Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) site, part of a network of 160 WSR-88D radars. These data were gathered by NASA to characterize the ability of multi-frequency microwave sensors to detect and estimate falling snow.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-based snowfall estimates from the GPM mission using ground-based radar reflectivity.
• Analyzing microphysical properties of precipitating snow via radar-derived spectral width and mean radial velocity.
• Improving numerical weather prediction models with coordinated radar observations and simulations from a focused cold-season experiment.
• Studying the spatial and temporal structure of winter precipitation events using time-series radar data.

Strengths

• Data originates from the established NEXRAD network of 160 operational WSR-88D radar sites.
• Focuses on a specific scientific goal: characterizing microwave sensor detection of snowfall for the GPM mission.
• Provides both intermediate (Level 2) and processed (Level 3) radar data products for analysis.

Limitations

• Key metadata conflicts: 'last updated' dates differ significantly between sources (2012 vs. 2026).
• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not documented in any provided source.
• Data collection is limited to a 35-day period in early 2012, restricting temporal analysis to that season.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected by the KBOX Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) site during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx).

Time Range

2012-02-06 to 2012-03-12

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:23:44.711520

Geography

United States and select overseas NEXRAD locations; specific coverage for KBOX site not detailed.