S-Band Profiler Raw Doppler Spectra from MC3E Field Campaign

Uncalibrated Doppler velocity spectra data collected by a vertically-pointing 2.8 GHz S-band profiler during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E). The dataset was gathered in Oklahoma from April 8 to June 7, 2011, with data saved hourly in the proprietary Vaisala SPC format. This NASA-organized experiment aimed to characterize convective cloud systems and precipitation to improve model parameterizations and satellite rainfall retrieval algorithms.

Use Cases

• Validating space-based rainfall retrieval algorithms over land using ground-based vertical profiles of backscattered power.
• Analyzing the vertical structure of convective cloud systems via uncalibrated Doppler velocity spectra at 60-meter range gates.
• Studying precipitation microphysics by examining spectral returns from raindrops and ice particles.
• Providing constraints for model cumulus parameterizations with detailed environmental data from a focused field campaign.
• Comparing precipitation mode and attenuated mode profiles saved in separate hourly files.

Strengths

• Data originates from a major, focused field campaign (MC3E) designed for detailed convective system characterization.
• Provides high vertical resolution measurements with spectra calculated at range gates separated by 60 meters.
• Captures a continuous two-month observation period during the 2011 convective season in Oklahoma.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData indicates recognized importance for the research community.

Limitations

• Data is uncalibrated; users must obtain calibrated data from separate 'S-band Original Dwell and Minute' datasets.
• Requires specialized, potentially purchasable software (Vaisala SPC format) to read the proprietary binary files.
• Key structural metadata like row count, file size, and complete column names are not provided by any source.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Data gathered by a NOAA S-band 2.8 GHz profiler processing radar pulses during 7-second dwells to calculate spectra.

Time Range

2011-04-08 to 2011-06-07

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:19:51.298275

Geography

Oklahoma, United States