S-Band Radar Profiler Data from Midlatitude Convective Cloud Experiment

This dataset contains minute-resolution S-band radar profiler measurements collected during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) in Oklahoma from April to June 2011. It was created by NASA to provide detailed vertical profiles of reflectivity and velocity within convective systems for validating satellite rainfall retrievals and improving weather models. The data is stored in netCDF format, containing both spectral and moment files.

Use Cases

• Calibrating space-based rainfall retrieval algorithms from missions like GPM using ground-based, unattenuated reflectivity profiles.
• Analyzing vertical structure of convective storms by examining columns like radar reflectivity and mean radial velocity.
• Studying microphysical processes in midlatitude convection through spectral data on return power and spectrum width.
• Providing constraints for improving cumulus parameterization schemes in atmospheric models.

Strengths

• Data originates from a focused, intensive field campaign (MC3E) designed for complete convective system characterization.
• Provides high temporal resolution (minute data) vertical profiles through precipitation.
• Includes calibrated, unattenuated reflectivity estimates, a key metric for validation studies.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and detailed column names are not provided across any platform.
• License information conflicts: one Data.gov entry specifies 'other-license-specified', while others list no license.
• Temporal coverage is limited to a three-month campaign in 2011, restricting analysis to specific seasonal conditions.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Gathered by a ground-based NOAA S-band (2.8 GHz) profiler measuring backscattered power from raindrops and ice particles.

Time Range

April 2011 to June 2011

Freshness

2026-03-13 20:29:26.337451

Geography

Oklahoma, United States