Aircraft Cloud Microphysics Measurements from GCPEx Campaign

Twelve research flights over a five-week period in early 2012 captured in situ atmospheric data. The University of North Dakota's Cessna Citation aircraft measured cloud microphysics, three-dimensional winds, turbulence, and aerosol properties during the GPM Ground Validation GCPEx campaign. Data is stored in separate files per flight, containing both primary derived parameters and raw instrument data.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived cloud property estimates using direct in situ measurements of cloud droplet concentration and size.
• Analyzing relationships between atmospheric state parameters, aerosol particle properties, and cloud formation.
• Studying three-dimensional wind dynamics and turbulence within winter storm systems.
• Calibrating remote sensing instruments with aircraft-collected profiles of cloud liquid water and ice.

Strengths

• Data originates from 12 dedicated research flights, providing multiple observational samples.
• Includes both primary derived parameters and raw instrument data for deeper analysis.
• Measurements cover multiple linked atmospheric variables: microphysics, winds, aerosols, and state parameters.
• Navigation files received a specific update in July 2015, indicating some curation.

Limitations

• Exact row count, file size, and specific column names are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date: one states 2026-03-13, another states 2012-02-24.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), collected via University of North Dakota (UND) Cessna Citation aircraft.

Collection Method

In situ measurements from instrumented aircraft during the GCPEx (GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment) campaign.

Time Range

January 19, 2012 through February 24, -2012

Freshness

2026-03-13 01:59:02.461947

Geography

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