KBGM NEXRAD IMPACTS: Winter Snowstorm Radar Observations

Atlantic Coast snowstorms from January to March 2020 are the focus of this dataset. It contains Level II NEXRAD radar data from the IMPACTS field campaign, including dual-polarization metrics like radar reflectivity and differential phase. The data supports research into snowband formation, microphysics, and remote sensing for winter weather prediction.

Use Cases

• Analyzing snowband formation mechanisms based on radar reflectivity and velocity data.
• Studying snow particle microphysics using dual-polarization variables like differential reflectivity.
• Improving snowfall remote sensing interpretation and modeling for prediction capabilities.
• Validating numerical weather prediction model outputs against high-resolution radar observations.

Strengths

• Data originates from a structured, three-year NASA field campaign (IMPACTS) with specific scientific objectives.
• Contains detailed dual-polarization radar base data quantities, enabling advanced microphysical analysis.
• Data is available in the standardized, self-describing netCDF-4 format.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low: column names, row counts, and exact file sizes are not provided on any platform.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist between platforms (2020 vs. 2026), creating uncertainty about data currency.
• The dataset's spatial coverage is implied but not explicitly defined beyond 'U.S. Atlantic Coast'.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Collected by Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) or NEXRAD sites during the IMPACTS field campaign.

Time Range

January 1 to March 1, 2020

Freshness

2026-04-10 02:00:23.438902

Geography

U.S. Atlantic Coast