GCPEx Precipitation Particle Images and Drop Size Distributions

Precipitation particle images and drop size distribution data were collected by the NASA Precipitation Video Imager (PVI) during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx). The dataset spans from November 2011 through March 2012 and includes Excel files with average, minimum, and logarithmic bin sizes and particle counts. The instrument was designed by Dr. Larry Bliven at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

Use Cases

• Analyzing drop size distributions for rain and snow using average, minimum, and logarithmic bin size columns.
• Validating satellite precipitation retrievals from the GPM mission with ground-based particle imagery.
• Studying the microphysical properties of cold-season precipitation events.
• Comparing particle image characteristics between different precipitation types.
• Supporting algorithm development for remote sensing of precipitation.

Strengths

• Data was collected during a dedicated NASA field campaign (GCPEx) for ground validation.
• Provides both quantitative drop size distribution tables and qualitative browse images for analysis.
• Covers a specific five-month period focused on cold-season precipitation phenomena.

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not documented across any platform.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with one showing 2012 and another showing 2026.
• License is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without clear terms.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Dr. Larry Bliven at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

Collection Method

Collected by the Precipitation Video Imager (PVI) instrument during the GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx).

Time Range

November 2011 through March 2012

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:19:54.556874

Geography

Location of the GCPEx field campaign, not explicitly stated in provided sources.