NAMMA LARGE Aerosol Measurements from Cape Verde Islands

NASA's NAMMA LARGE dataset contains in situ aerosol measurements from a 2006 field campaign based in the Cape Verde Islands. Data from condensation nuclei counters, optical particle spectrometers, an aerodynamic particle sizer, and integrating nephelometers quantify aerosol number density, size distribution, and scattering coefficients. The campaign aimed to characterize African Easterly Waves and Mesoscale Convective Systems and their impacts on regional water and energy budgets.

Use Cases

• Analyzing aerosol size distribution and number density from optical particle spectrometer and aerodynamic particle sizer columns.
• Studying aerosol scattering properties using total scattering and backscattering coefficients from integrating nephelometers.
• Investigating the role of cloud condensation nuclei in West African monsoon systems.
• Correlating in-situ aerosol measurements with satellite observations or meteorological models for the NAMMA campaign period.

Strengths

• Data originates from a coordinated NASA field campaign (NAMMA) with defined scientific objectives.
• Includes measurements from multiple, specialized in-situ sensors (e.g., condensation nuclei counters, integrating nephelometers).
• Provides geographically specific data from a key atmospheric region (Cape Verde Islands, off West Africa).

Limitations

• Specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date: one states 2006-09-12, while others state a future date of 2026-03 12.

Provenance

Source

NASA Science Mission Directorate, generated by the Langley Aerosol Research Group Experiment (LARGE) for the NAMMA campaign.

Collection Method

In-situ measurements collected from surface observation networks and aircraft using condensation nuclei counters, optical particle spectrometers, an aerodynamic particle sizer, and integrating nephelometers.

Time Range

Campaign commenced in August 2006.

Freshness

2006-09-12

Geography

Cape Verde Islands, 350 miles off the coast of Senegal in West Africa.