NMC Upper Air Derived Data: Atmospheric Model Grid for FIFE

1988 data from the National Meteorological Center's global upper air models, using a six-hour intermittent assimilation method. This derived dataset contains spatially interpolated atmospheric variables calculated for four grid points over the FIFE study area on a 381 km polar-stereographic grid. It represents model output, not direct measurements, from the NOAA operational analysis system.

Use Cases

• Validating regional atmospheric models based on historical NMC operational analysis.
• Analyzing spatial patterns of geopotential height and temperature over the FIFE area.
• Studying atmospheric water vapor indicators from a gridded, time-series perspective.
• Investigating the six-hour intermittent assimilation method used in late-1980s forecasting.

Strengths

• Data originates from the authoritative NOAA operational analysis system and NMC models.
• Provides spatially interpolated data on a defined 381 km polar-stereographic grid.
• Cross-platform presence on NASA and Data.gov signals recognized scientific value.

Limitations

• Critical metadata conflicts: last update date is 1988 on one platform but 2026 on another, suggesting possible metadata errors.
• Column names and exact row counts are unknown, limiting precise usability assessment.
• Documentation is sparse, with no explicit license details beyond 'other-license-specified'.

Provenance

Source

National Meteorological Center (NMC) / NOAA operational analysis system

Collection Method

Derived from global upper air models using a six-hour intermittent assimilation method, then spatially interpolated.

Time Range

1988

Freshness

Last updated: 1988-10-23 23:59:59.999000 (from nasa_earthdata)

Geography

FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) area, interpolated to four grid points on a 381 km polar-stereographic grid.