KLWX NEXRAD IMPACTS: NEXRAD Level II Radar Data for Snowstorm Research
Updated 1mo ago
19filesBIN
Available on 2 platforms
Sign in to view source links and access this dataset
Description
31 NEXRAD sites collected Level II weather radar data from January 1 to March 1, 2020 during the IMPACTS field campaign. This dataset contains dual-polarization base data quantities, including radar reflectivity, radial velocity, spectrum width, differential reflectivity, differential phase, and cross correlation ratio, to study Atlantic Coast snowstorms. Data files are available in netCDF-4 format and the dataset is part of a three-year campaign, with updates planned for subsequent years.
Use Cases
Analyzing snowband formation mechanisms based on radar reflectivity and velocity patterns.
Studying snow particle microphysics and growth using dual-polarization variables like differential reflectivity.
Improving snowfall remote sensing interpretation and numerical weather prediction models with high-resolution radar data.
Investigating the spatial organization and evolution of winter storms over the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
Strengths
Data originates from 31 operational NEXRAD (WSR-88D) radar sites, providing broad spatial coverage.
Contains six specific dual-polarization meteorological base data quantities, enabling detailed microphysical analysis.
Part of a structured, three-year field campaign (IMPACTS) with planned updates, indicating longitudinal research value.
Limitations
Metadata completeness is low: column names, row counts, and exact file sizes are unspecified across all platforms.
Conflicting 'last updated' dates (2026-04-10 vs. 2020-03-01) create uncertainty about dataset currency and maintenance.
The license is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' without explicit terms provided.
Provenance
Source
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Collection Method
Collected via Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) Level II surveillance during the IMPACTS field campaign.
Time Range
January 1 to March 1, 2020
Freshness
2026-04-10 01:51:30.612721 (from datagov, though this conflicts with an earlier date from nasa_earthdata)
Geography
31 NEXRAD sites, focusing on the U.S. Atlantic Coast
License is listed as 'other-license-specified'; users must investigate specific terms. Data is in netCDF-4 format, requiring compatible software for analysis.