GPM Ground Validation Radar Data for Winter Precipitation

This dataset contains 46 days of vertically-pointing X-band radar measurements from the GCPEx field campaign in Ontario, Canada during the 2011-2012 winter season. It includes radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity data collected to validate and improve satellite-based winter precipitation estimates from the Global Precipitation Measurement mission. The data is provided in netCDF-3 format by NASA.

Use Cases

• Validating GPM satellite snowfall estimates using ground-based radar reflectivity measurements.
• Analyzing the microphysical properties of winter precipitation through Doppler velocity profiles.
• Studying the vertical structure of precipitation and ice clouds in a cold-season environment.
• Developing and testing algorithms for converting radar observations into quantitative precipitation estimates.

Strengths

• Data was collected during a dedicated NASA field campaign (GCPEx) with a specific scientific goal for satellite validation.
• Provides a continuous 46-day time series from January 15 to February 29, 2012, capturing winter precipitation events.
• Includes two key physical measurements: radar reflectivity and Doppler velocity, essential for precipitation analysis.

Limitations

• The exact row count and file size are not specified across any platform.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with one showing 2012-02-29 and another showing 2026-03-13, suggesting potential metadata inconsistencies.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Data collected by the McGill Vertically Pointing X-band (VertiX) radar during the GCPEx field campaign.

Time Range

2012-01-15 to 2012-02-29

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:23:00.777810

Geography

Ontario, Canada