Iowa Flood Study Radar Precipitation and Reflectivity Data

Radar-derived precipitation and three-dimensional reflectivity products from the Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS) field campaign. The dataset was created by the NOAA National Mosaic and Multi-Sensor QPE (NMQ) system, also known as MRMS, integrating WSR-88D radar, RUC model, and HADS gauge data. Data is available for a three-month period from April 1 to June 30, 2013.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-based precipitation estimates from the GPM mission using ground-based radar and gauge data.
• Analyzing the spatial and temporal structure of precipitation events for flood prediction models.
• Studying three-dimensional radar reflectivity to understand storm microphysics and vertical development.
• Calibrating radar rainfall algorithms using integrated sensor data from the NMQ/MRMS system.

Strengths

• Data integrates multiple sources including WSR-88D radar, RUC model analysis, and HADS gauge data for improved accuracy.
• Provides three-dimensional reflectivity products, offering insight into storm structure beyond surface rainfall.
• Covers a focused 3-month field campaign (April-June 2013) during a period of flood studies in Iowa.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and detailed column names are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with one listing 2026-03-13 and another 2013-06 30.

Provenance

Source

NOAA National Mosaic and Multi-Sensor QPE (NMQ) System / Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) product.

Collection Method

Created by ingesting Weather Surveillance Radar 88 Doppler (WSR-88D) data, Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) model analysis fields, and Hydrometeorological Automated Data Systems (HADS) gauge data.

Time Range

April 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:01:53.202702

Geography

Iowa, United States