NEXRAD Level II Radar Data for Atlantic Coast Snowstorms

January 1 to March 1, 2020 data from 31 NEXRAD radar sites during the IMPACTS field campaign. This dataset contains Level II meteorological and dual-polarization base data quantities, including radar reflectivity, radial velocity, and differential phase, aimed at studying snowband formation and microphysics. Data is provided in netCDF-4 format by the GHRC DAAC and is part of a planned three-year campaign sequence.

Use Cases

• Analyzing snowband formation and evolution using time-series radar reflectivity and radial velocity data.
• Studying microphysical characteristics of snow particles via dual-polarization variables like differential reflectivity and cross correlation ratio.
• Validating and improving numerical weather prediction models for snowfall using high-resolution radar observations.
• Examining the spatial organization of precipitation across the U.S. Atlantic Coast using data from 31 coordinated radar sites.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated, multi-year NASA field campaign (IMPACTS) with specific scientific objectives.
• Provides high-resolution, dual-polarization meteorological data from 31 NEXRAD sites over a focused two-month period.

Limitations

• Exact file count, dataset size, and total row/observation numbers are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, reporting both 2020-03-01 and 2026-03-13.

Provenance

Source

GHRC DAAC (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected via Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Level II surveillance systems at 31 sites during the IMPACTS field campaign.

Time Range

2020-01-01 to 2020-03-01

Freshness

2026-03-13

Geography

U.S. Atlantic Coast, coverage area of 31 NEXRAD radar sites.