SBU Parsivel IMPACTS Snowstorm Precipitation Microphysics Dataset

SBU Parsivel IMPACTS is a precipitation dataset collected by a Parsivel disdrometer for the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS) field campaign. The dataset includes particle size distribution, fall speed, radar reflectivity, and precipitation rate measurements from winter season deployments over the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Data are available in netCDF-3 format from January 1, 2020, through March 2, 2023.

Use Cases

• Analyzing particle size distribution and fall speed to study snow particle growth mechanisms across storm bands.
• Using radar reflectivity and precipitation rate data to validate and improve remote sensing algorithms for snowfall.
• Investigating the temporal evolution of microphysical characteristics within snowstorms along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
• Correlating disdrometer observations with other IMPACTS campaign data to understand snowband organization.

Strengths

• Data originates from a focused, multi-year NASA field campaign (IMPACTS) specifically designed to study snowstorms.
• Provides direct, ground-based measurements of key microphysical parameters like particle size and fall velocity.
• Covers three winter seasons (2020-2023), capturing multiple storm events for analysis.

Limitations

• Specific row counts, file sizes, and a complete column list are not provided by any source.
• Conflicting license information: one source specifies 'other-license-specified', while another lists no license.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Field measurements collected by a Parsivel disdrometer instrument.

Time Range

January 1, - March 2, 2023

Freshness

2026-03-12 22:00:33.529911

Geography

U.S. Atlantic Coast